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:

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.