CONCORD, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) New Hampshire lawmakers are pursuing measures to lessen the effect of a federal court order that keeps the state’s annual vehicle inspections in place. The program had been scheduled to end this week under a law passed last year.

On Tuesday, U.S. District Judge Landya McCafferty issued a preliminary injunction preventing the state from discontinuing inspections. Her ruling cited the Clean Air Act, noting that ending the program without federal approval could put New Hampshire out of compliance. The injunction followed a lawsuit filed by Gordon-Darby Holdings Inc., the Kentucky-based company that operates the inspections.

Republican lawmakers say they are preparing legislation that would reduce penalties for drivers who lack a current inspection sticker to $1 and prevent police from stopping vehicles solely for missing stickers. The bill would also eliminate the requirement for motorists to display inspection decals. One lawmaker backing the proposal said he personally does not plan to obtain an inspection under the current rules but is not advocating breaking the law.

House Republican leaders said they hope to act quickly when the Legislature returns in early February. They also indicated that the state is seeking federal approval for changes to its air pollution plan, which could eventually allow inspections to be phased out legally.

At the same time, members of the Executive Council emphasized that spending on inspections should be carefully reviewed, noting that the contract with Gordon-Darby was intended to end when the program expired. One councilor expressed concern about continuing to pay a vendor that is involved in litigation against the state.

Democratic leaders criticized attempts to reduce enforcement or skirt the court’s order, calling such efforts risky and inconsistent with legal obligations. One councilor noted that previous legislative testimony had warned lawmakers that ending inspections could lead to federal legal challenges, and that workarounds could create further problems.

The Attorney General’s Office is reviewing the ruling and is expected to provide guidance to the public soon. Meanwhile, the Department of Safety confirmed that inspections remain mandatory and officers retain the authority to enforce the requirement.

Industry groups, including the New Hampshire Auto Dealers Association, reminded vehicle owners that inspections are still required and should be performed responsibly. Some dealerships have begun offering promotions and discounts in response to the ongoing uncertainty.