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NHOST Important Information This
section contains NHOST memos important to the proper operation
of the NHOST Unit during NH state inspections.
Sticker Process
Reminder October 9, 2008
The State Police has asked that the Inspection Stations be
reminded that the clear sticker is to be issued ONLY to vehicles
that pass safety and fail OBD emissions.
THE CLEAR STICKER NUMBER MUST COINCIDE WITH THE MONTH THE
INSPECTION TAKES PLACE. This is not necessarily the owners
birth month. It should match the date of the test that prints
on the VIR.
The VIR is to be given to the motorist with each inspection.
Thank you for your continued cooperation. Please direct any
questions regarding this e-mail to the OBD Program at
603-271-8800.
Consumable
Reminder September 17, 2008
This email is a courtesy reminder that some of the items on the
NHOST unit are consumable items such as; orange OBD cable, black OBD
cable, ink cartridges. Inspection stations are responsible for
keeping these consumable items on their NHOST unit in working order.
These items are essential for proper operation of the inspection
equipment, as both the vehicle OBD communication and VIR printout
are required aspects of the inspection process.
It should be noted that damaged cables could cause a situation
where either the vehicle being inspected or the NHOST unit could be
adversely affected. Any such damage will be the responsibility
of the station as per items 4.3 and 4.9 in the Station Agreement
which read;
4.3 "Customer shall be responsible for all costs of repair if
product has been damaged by operation in a manner contrary to the
instructions which accompany the product, improper or inadequate
maintenance by the Customer, unauthorized modification or misuse,
Customer supplied software, improper site preparation and
maintenance, operation outside of the environmental specifications
for the product, improper or insufficient ventilation, lightning or
fluctuation in electrical power, or catastrophe or acts of God, acts
of terror, or if any serial number has been removed or defaced or if
any seals have been broken."
4.9 "The Customer shall indemnify and hold harmless GORDON-DARBY,
its agents, servants, successors, and assigns from and against all
losses, damages, injuries, claims, demands, and expenses, including
legal expenses, of any nature arising out of the use, condition or
operation of the NHOST Unit(s) by any person and defend any suit
seeking such damages, even though the allegations of such suit are
groundless, false, or fraudulent unless caused by GORDON-DARBY."
It is always recommended that spares be kept on hand to avoid any
"down time" while waiting for replacements.
Inspection
Sticker Fees August 23, 2008
Based on changes in House Bill 2, RSA 266:2 has changed.
RSA 266:2 now reads:
266:2 Fees. The fee for inspection stickers shall be $3.25 for
each sticker furnished an approved inspection station. The division
shall transfer $.25 of each fee collected under this section to the
motor vehicle air pollution abatement fund established by RSA
125-S:3 and $.25 of each fee collected under this section to the
general fund. All unused stickers returned by the approved
inspection station to the division shall be refundable at the rate
of $3.25 each, except that unused stickers purchased from the
division for a fee of $2.50 shall be refundable at the rate of $2.50
each.
The Division of Motor Vehicles will begin charging these new fees
effective July 27, 2009. A book of twenty-five (25) stickers
will now cost $81.25 and a book of thirty (30) motorcycle stickers
will now cost $97.50.
If you have any questions regarding these new fees, please feel
free to contact the Bureau of Registration, Inspection Desk at
603-271-2321.
Thank you, Virginia C. Beecher Director of Motor
Vehicles
Windows XP Pro
License Stickers February 2, 2008
Every PC that is installed into the NHOST units placed in NH
State Inspection stations has a Windows XP Pro license label
attached to the outside cover. These licenses are associated with
the Windows XP Pro operating system installed on that one PC and are
not to be removed under any circumstances. Removal of the license
label from any PC case will result in the replacement cost for
Windows XP Pro licensing being invoiced to the station to which the
PC was assigned.
Inspecting
Vehicles With Emergency Lights and Warning Lights August
1, 2008
PLEASE PRINT AND SHARE WITH ALL PERSONNEL As of
September 9, 2008, a new law, Chapter 358, laws of 2008, has been
passed governing emergency lights and warning lights on vehicles.
With the passage of this law, it will no longer be necessary for
owners of these vehicles to present a written permission from DMV In
order to have these flashing or oscillating lights.
The new law breaks the lights into two classes - emergency lights
and warning lights. Emergency lights are red or blue in color.
Warning lights are amber (yellow) in color. Blue is exclusively for
police department vehicles and police officers’ vehicles and no
other vehicles with blue lights should be allowed to pass
inspection. However, in addition to but not in place of blue lights,
police vehicles can also display red or amber on their light
bars.
Red is for fire apparatus, firefighter's vehicles, forestry
vehicles, licensed public or private ambulances, emergency medical
response and rescue vehicles, airport authority emergency response
vehicles, and government vehicles used in response to emergencies
resulting from hazardous materials spills, and members of licensed
emergency medical response and rescue crews such as EMT's and
Paramedics.
Hospital emergency personnel who are not members of ambulance or
rescue squad crews, however, do require a permit from the
Commissioner of Safety to display red lights on their personal
vehicles.
In addition to red lights, fire trucks can also display white and
amber lights.
Nobody other than those named above can equip vehicles with red
emergency lights.
The following vehicles can display amber warning lights:
Vehicles owned by or leased to state, county or municipal DOT's and
public works departments such as plow trucks, pickup trucks,
snowplows, graders, loaders, sand trucks, sweepers, tar trucks,
etc.; vehicles used by telephone, electrical and cable utilities and
tree services for maintenance of utility, sewer and water lines;
U.S. Postal Service delivery vehicles; wreckers and emergency
highway service vehicles; vehicles used for escorting oversize
loads; privately owned vehicles used for snow removal; refuse
collection vehicles and compacters; vehicles owned by or leased to
contractors and construction companies and used regularly to provide
warning of road obstructions or hazards at road or utility sites;
and vehicles owned by public or private security services (but
not personal vehicles of security guards). No other vehicles should
have amber warning lights.
Snowplows can be equipped with amber or white wing lights to
illuminate the wings when the plow is in operation.
School buses, of course, can be equipped with the whole range of
red stop lights, amber stop ahead lights, white overhead lights,
etc., that are allowed by the NH School Bus regulations.
Funeral escort and lead vehicles can be equipped with purple
warning lights.
Antique fire trucks used for parades can be equipped with red
emergency lights.
The Department of Safety can approve other uses of these lights
but in those cases not covered by this directive there should be a
written permit.
Police officers, firefighters and emergency medical personnel
presenting their privately owned personal vehicles for inspection
should be asked to show you a letter on official stationery from
their department or an official ID card or badge issued by their
department.
OBD
Administration Rules July 28, 2008
The On Board Diagnostics (OBD) administrative rules have been
revised and adopted as of June 20, 2008. A copy of the revised
rules will be mailed to all inspection stations beginning today
along with your station renewal application.
The NHOST unit will have the rules updated during an upcoming
software update. You will be notified when that has
occurred. In the interim the rules can be accessed from
a computer that has an internet connection, other than the NHOST
unit. Please go to www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rules/saf-c3200.html
to review and print the updated rules. All of the rules in the
3200 series of numbers are the Official Inspection Station
Administrative Rules. The newly adopted OBD rules begin at
section Saf-C 3222. Please read the new inspection rules
thoroughly and familiarize yourself with them as there are many
updates that all certified inspectors are expected to know and
adhere to.
If you have any questions regarding the rules or accessing them
from another computer, please call the OBD program at 271-8800.
New Registration
Bar Code July 17, 2008
The new registration form that was phased into circulation on
July 18, 2008 contains a 2-D Bar Code that cannot be read by the
NHOST system at this time. The barcode on the vehicle, as well
as the barcode from a previous VIR, can still be utilized by the bar
code reader on the NHOST system.
Economic
Hardship Waivers and Electronic Administrative Certificate
Procedure July 7, 2008
Please Print and distribute to all Inspection Mechanics
When a motorist is approved for an economic hardship waiver they
receive a waiver that is signed and sealed by the Director of Motor
Vehicles. The motorist is advised to go to their inspection
station for an OBD re-inspection.
When the mechanic performs the re-inspection of the vehicle, they
will see a menu button on the NHOST unit that asks if they want to
issue an 'Administrator’s Certificate'. You will select this
option once you have verified that the waiver has been checked
"approved" and there is a raised seal over the Director of Motor
Vehicle’s signature. If these things are not present on the
waiver, you will not select the "issue Administrator’s Certificate"
option.
Once you select the option for the Administrators Certificate,
this will by-pass the OBD portion of the test and you will be able
to enter the sticker number that you are issuing to the
vehicle. Give the VIR to the motorist along with the Economic
Hardship Waiver.
If you have any questions regarding the economic hardship waiver
or the issuance of an electronic administrative certificate, please
contact the OBD program at 271-8800.
Electrical and
Phone Line Wiring June 26, 2008
Summer thunderstorms raise the issue of electrical and phone line
wiring required in inspection stations for proper operation of the
NHOST unit. Improper wiring can damage the NHOST unit, including PC
and modem, particularly during a thunderstorm. It is important to
understand that a lightning strike directly to your building or in
very near vicinity will not be suppressed by any spike protector. It
is best, when a lightning storm is forecast for your area to unplug
both the power cord and the phone cord (if applicable). This is the
only way to ensure complete protection for your NHOST unit. We would
recommend, as well, that you follow the same precaution for the
other high tech equipment you may be using in your shop.
The following describes the specific wiring that is required for
the station NHOST connection. Please note, as detailed in Section 4
of the Station Agreement, “Equipment Lease”, that damages (repair
cost) caused to the NHOST unit related to incorrect station wiring
or connection will be the responsibility of the station.
Electrical Power Connection: The NHOST cart power cord must be
plugged into a properly wired 115 volt AC grounded receptacle.
Proper wiring consists of the house wire neutral going to the large
receptacle plug hole, the positive wire connecting to the small
receptacle plug hole and the house ground wire connecting to the
round receptacle plug hole. This type of connection is referred to
as a 115 volt a/c “polarized” and grounded circuit. If an extension
cord is used, it must be a grounded type of good condition.
Phone Line Connection: The NHOST unit must be connected to either
a standard dial-up telephone line or high-speed Internet connection.
It can be difficult to diagnose phone line wiring deficiencies
without specialized equipment. Simple things like reversed wiring,
can sometimes be identified on small uncomplicated systems by
visually inspecting the wiring. In many cases a phone jack
[receptacle] may appear to be wired correctly because the correct
color wire is connected to the correct color terminal, but if that
phone wire is connected to the wrong terminal someplace else in the
building it compromises the entire system. If you suspect that
someone other than a trained phone technician has performed wiring
or connections on your in-house phone wiring system, you may want to
contact a professional to perform some system wiring tests.
Pre 1949
Inspection Requirements May 8, 2008
Effective January 1, 2008, House Bill 659 became law. It
added a new section, RSA 266:62-a.
This new statute exempts all antique motor vehicles (with
original equipment) manufactured prior to 1949 from all
inspections requirements. For exact wording of this new statute,
please refer to RSA 266:62-a.
Thank you, Division of Motor Vehicles
Odometer
Reminder March 19, 2008
Please be sure that you are entering the mileage into the NHOST
unit in thousands of miles. If the vehicle you are inspecting
has less than one thousand miles you need to enter a zero (0).
For Example: A vehicle with 122,444.5 miles will be
entered as 122 A vehicle with 36,645.9 miles will be
entered as 36 A vehicle
with 4,235.3 miles will be entered
as 4 A vehicle
with 999.9 miles
will be entered as 0
Please print this out so that all mechanics that inspect vehicles
have an opportunity to read it.
OBD
Testing February 13, 2008
It is extremely important to do the OBD test as part of the state
inspection BEFORE performing any diagnostics with your own scan
tools. The state of New Hampshire is required to test all 1996
and newer gasoline and 1997 and newer diesel cars and light duty
trucks (8500 pounds GVWR or less) and report the results to the
Federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Please do not connect your own diagnostic tools before using the
NHOST unit to perform the OBD test. Performing repairs before
the test is performed can skew the test results and lead to
customers being misinformed because the NHOST unit has not been
utilized to determine the OBD inspection result based on current
laws and rules.
Additionally, by pre -diagnosing the results of the OBD
inspection you are doing diagnostic work that you could otherwise be
paid for separately from the inspection fee you charge.
Please perform the test first and diagnose and repair
second.
Important Note: If the system prompts you to enter a
sticker number, then the vehicle has passed both safety and OBD and
can receive a full inspection sticker.
Important
Reminder To All Inspection Stations About Issuing
Stickers February 13, 2008
If, Safety Pass, OBD Pass: The vehicle receives a full inspection
sticker. If, Safety Pass, OBD Reject: The vehicle receives only
the Month portion of the sticker If, Safety Reject, OBD Pass:
The vehicle receives no sticker. If, Safety Reject, OBD Reject:
The vehicle receives no sticker.
The mechanic must sign the VIR and give it and any other
documents that print with the inspection report to the
motorist. If the vehicle has only the clear month portion of
the sticker on the windshield it will be imperative that the
motorist keep the VIR in the vehicle until it has had the completed
repairs and a full sticker has been issued.
New
Inspection Requirements / Warning Light Permit October 26,
2007
Saf-C 3215 now makes a distinction between "Emergency Lights" and
"Warning Lights". Emergency Lights are limited to Blue or Red in
color. Warning Lights are Amber in color or Purple for funeral
escort/lead vehicles. Saf-C 3215-03 sets forth the criteria
regarding vehicles equipped with Warning Lights.
All New Hampshire registered vehicles equipped with "Warning
Lights" must now possess a Warning Light Permit which must be kept
with the corresponding vehicle in order to successfully pass an
official safety inspection and operate in the State of New
Hampshire.
In consideration of the vehicle owners and Official Inspection
Stations alike, the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) wishes to
extend an abbreviated grace-period during which all parties may
become familiar with the new requirement and come into
compliance.
While servicing their customers, we would ask that inspection
stations/mechanics draw attention to the requirement of a Warning
Light Permit for those vehicles so equipped and how corresponding
vehicle owners may apply for such a permit.
Until January 1, 2009, a vehicle may be eligible to have an
official safety inspection sticker affixed (if all other official
inspection criteria is met) without the presence of the referenced
permit provided that the inspecting safety mechanic explains the
requirement of a warning light permit to the vehicle owner AND the
inspecting safety mechanic creates a record of the explanation
within the "Mechanic's Notes" section in the inspection station's
OBD II computer.
An Application for Warning Light Permit may be obtained at the
Stephen E. Merrill DMV Building, 23 Hazen Drive in Concord, at any
Motor Vehicle substation or at the DMV website: www.nh.gov/safety/divisions/dmv. Once
at the website, go to "Documents and Forms", then "Inspection Desk"
then "Warning Light Permit (RDMV 793)".
Additionally: Please make note of the fact that Saf-C
3215.02 requires that a vehicle be rejected if, "The emergency
lights are not the PROPER COLOR FOR THE TYPE OF VEHICLE..." Red
lights and white or clear strobe lights are limited to those
vehicles identified at Saf-C 3215.02(c) (1). Blue lights and white
or clear strobe lights are limited to those vehicles identified at
Saf-C 3215.02(c) (2). Amber or Purple lights are limited to those
vehicles identified at Saf-C 3215.03. There are no provisions for
any other combination of the above-described lights. Also, there are
no provisions for white or clear strobe lights on vehicles equipped
with "warning" lights other than those set forth at RSA
266:45-a.
Go-Live
Notice October 1, 2007
Effective October 1, 2007, ALL 1996 & newer vehicles,
(subject to OBD inspection), must PASS the emission inspection or
they will be REJECTED. If the software in your NHOST unit has not
been upgraded to the newest version, you will not be able to perform
OBD inspections. Please contact the NHOST Helpline at 800-383-4124
with any questions or for assistance upgrading your software.
Remember to check your NHOST mail frequently for news and updates.
Thank you.
Official Cover
Plates October 1, 2007
It has been brought to the attention of the Division of Motor
Vehicles that a number of Official Inspection Stations are asking
Members of the New Hampshire General Court, House of Representatives
to remove their legislative plates when conducting an
inspection.
Saf-C 3210.03 does require mechanics to inspect registration
plates which are to be ".securely mounted on the exterior of the
vehicle in locations provided for by the manufacturer." However, the
administrative rule does go on to mention, "Vehicles which display
special number plates pursuant to RSA 261:91 shall be inspected even
though the registration certificate reflects a different
number."
Please know that RSA 261:90 also provides for the issuance of
legislative plates known as Official Cover Plates. Official Cover
Plates may be attached only to vehicles registered in the name of
the person issued the plates or the name of the spouse of a member
of the General Court.
Therefore, for the purpose of conducting an official safety
inspection it is expected that a properly/currently registered
vehicle as verified by the corresponding certificate of registration
in the name of the member of the New Hampshire General Court or name
of their spouse may be inspected while an Official Cover Plate is
mounted on the exterior of the vehicle in locations provided for by
the manufacturer.
An inspecting mechanic should however ensure the certificate of
registration corresponds with the registration number plates which
may be located beneath the Official Cover Plates or readily
accessible within the subject vehicle.
If you have any questions, please contact the DMV at
271-3339.
NHOST Notice to Inspection
Stations: Important Program Reminders December 8,
2005
1) MOVING THE NHOST UNIT It is important to notify
NHOST prior to moving or selling your station. The NHOST unit is
the sole property of Gordon-Darby NHOST Services, Inc and may not be
modified, sold or transferred to any business or individual by the
lessee. The NHOST unit may not be moved from the contracted location
without prior approval from Gordon-Darby. Additionally, if you sell
your station, NHOST accounting needs to know so we may confirm that
your account is settled and terminate your station agreement.
2) KEEP INFORMATION CURRENT It is important to notify
DMV with updated mechanic information. This will help ensure that
mechanics are accurately authorized to perform tests and will
maintain access to the testing unit.
To update information
compose a letter with the following information on company
letterhead:
Inspection Station
Number Name of mechanic Mechanic certificate
number Mechanic date of birth Mechanic driver's license
number
Ensure that the letter is signed by the station
owner or manager and send it to:
Department of Safety - Division
of Motor Vehicles Inspection Desk 33 Hazen Drive Concord,
NH 03305
3) PROPER USE OF THE NHOST UNIT The NHOST inspection
unit is a high-tech piece of equipment. As such, appropriate care
should be taken while using the system, especially while moving it
around in your shop, either from one bay to another or from one end
of the shop to the other. It has become apparent that rough handling
coupled with uneven flooring or drainage grates has caused
substantial damage to some units that could have been avoided by
proper utilization. In addition to causing damage to the carts,
rough handling or improper use may lead to malfunction of the system
itself which could result in an interruption of your inspection
service.
4) COLD WEATHER REMINDER During these cold weather
months it is important to operate and store the NHOST unit in an
area that is at least 40 degrees F. If the environment the NHOST
unit is located in is colder than 40 degrees, the printer may not
print correctly and the monitor may not function properly. Note:
Poor printing quality could be a sign that the ink jet cartridges in
your printer may need to be replaced.
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