This email is a reminder about updating your station's inspection information on the NHOST website. Station inspection fees are accessible at www.nhinspect.com. Please check your listing on the website and send us changes, if any, that you would like to have made.

Stations can submit their information (listed below) to NHOST either by NHOST email (on the unit) or by conventional email.

Your email will need to include:

Station Name
Station Number
Contact/Authorizing Name

And any of the following that you want changed:

Station Address
Station Phone Number
Fee for OBD inspection
Fee for non-OBD inspection
Mechanic certifications

Send to:
Conventional email: Info@nhostservices.com
Subject: NHOST Inspection Fee

OR

NHOST unit email:
To: "Program Manager"
Subject: NHOST Inspection Fee

Prices and certifications which are listed on The NHOST website are periodically updated and will reflect the most current information as submitted to NHOST by authorized representatives of NH inspection stations. Prices may not reflect any available discounts or other available special offers and are subject to change. NHOST is not liable for verifying fees posted on the website versus actual inspection fees charged.

As always, feel free to contact the NHOST Help Line by calling 1-800-383-4124 for more information or program assistance.

This email is being sent to let you know that one of the changes in the newest software update may need your attention when printing.

The new software requires that a printer problem which keeps something from printing, for example running out of paper in the paper drawer, to be resolved before the system will move on. A message will appear on the unit monitor if a printing problem should occur that will let tell you what the issue is. In order to continue with inspections, the printer will need to report to the computer that the problem has been resolved.

This change has been made in an effort to reduce the number of sticker forms that get damaged by printing something other than sticker information on the form.

Also, please remember that it is best practice to wait for the system to prompt you to insert the sticker form into the manual feed slot before doing so.

If you have any questions concerning this change, please contact the Help Line at 1-800-383-4124.

We have received calls from stations where a VIR, or other document, prints on the sticker form instead of on paper out of the paper tray, thereby ruining the sticker. This is usually caused by the printer running out of plain white paper in the paper tray. If there was no paper in the paper tray to print a VIR, or any other document at the end of the previous inspection, as soon as you put a sticker form into the printer, the document which was not printed will print on the sticker form, ruining that sticker.

There are two easy steps to follow to avoid having this problem going forward:

1. Be sure to keep your paper tray stocked with plain white printer paper, but no more than ¾ filled.
2. Before starting an inspection, check the LCD screen on the top of the printer for a “NO PAPER” error message. This means that the printer is either out of paper OR there could be too much paper in the tray. Again, the paper tray should not be filled more than ¾ full. If the tray is overfilled, the paper could be too tight to get pulled from the tray and the printer will think there is no paper in the tray.

If you are still experiencing printing issues, please call the HelpLine at 1-800-383-4124.

New Hampshire RSA 266:59-b.IV reads as follows:

"This section (Emission Control Equipment) shall not apply to vehicles 20 or more model years old which shall be determined by subtracting the model year of the vehicle from the calendar year in which the inspection occurs."

This means that in 2016 vehicles that are model year 1996 or older will not be prompted for an emissions test by the NHOST unit as part of the annual inspection program. However, they are still required to be reported electronically through the NHOST testing equipment.

The following Technical Service Bulletin has been provided by FCA (Fiat Chrysler Autombiles) related to the VIN issue on certain 2015 Jeep Renegade and 2016 Fiat 500X vehicles:

The e-mail blast below was originally sent on September 26, 2007

RSA 261:62, II (d) was recently amended via Chapter 140, House Bill 448-Local and now allows for a person to renew a vehicle registration during the 4 months prior to its expiration without having to verify the owner’s absence from the State.

When RSA 266:1, I-III is read in conjunction with RSA 261:62, II(d) it stands to reason that an owner may now receive an inspection sticker as early as 4 months in advance, not to exceed 16 months. Therefore, the position taken by the DMV when asked if a vehicle may be inspected before the registration is renewed is yes. They may be eligible to receive an inspection sticker that expires the following year provided the vehicle is currently registered and it meets the inspection criteria

Please remember that a current registration does not expire until the LAST day of the month and that persons may not be charged with a violation of failing to obey inspection requirements until a period of 10 days has lapsed from the date the inspection was due.

If you have any questions, please call the DMV inspection desk at 603-271-0321 or State Police Troop G at 603-271-3339.

On August 24, 2013 the state passed SB22 to modify RSA 266:1-b with regard to trailer inspections. This law modifies Administrative Rule Saf-C 3227.01 (a) Inspection Required. This means that now only trailers greater than 10,000 pounds GVWR are required to be state inspected. It is important to note that trailers should still be maintained per manufacturers recommended specifications to ensure fully functioning safety equipment. Particular attention to wheel hub assemblies, suspensions, tires, brakes and frame rust are highly encouraged.

DMV INSPECTION STATION NOTICE
TO ALL INSPECTION STATIONS THAT HAVE PURCHASED THE SYMTECH BCA 4 HEADLIGHT AIMIER

The Symtech BCA 4 Headlamp aimers as sold do not comply with the requirement for NH State Inspection because they do not allow for the proper headlight angle to be inspected per Saf-C 3206.04 (6). Symtech Corporation has made available a retro fit upgrade kit that will upgrade the aimer to the SCA 1 Certified model which does allow for headlight angle inspection. The total cost for this upgrade from Symtech Corporation will be $222.00. If you have questions about your BCA 4 Headlamp aimer or to order the retro fit upgrade you can call 1-888-884-8182. You may access a copy of the letter from Symtech Corporation below.

*PLEASE NOTE: This upgrade notification ONLY APPLIES TO THE SYMTECH BCA 4 HEADLIGHT AIMER. No other Symtech product or headlight aiming system is subject to this notice. If you have any questions you may contact the inspection desk at 227-4120

Details can be found here: NH BCA 4 Retro fit letter.pdf.

Regulatory changes in RSA 266:1, effective January 01, 2013, removed the requirement for trucks over 18,000 lbs. gross vehicle weight to be inspected on a semiannual basis. As a result all vehicles will now fall into the annual inspection requirement, with the exception of school buses over 10,000 gross vehicle weight, which will maintain the semiannual inspection frequency.

With the passage of the new law there will be a short transition period to ensure that all vehicle registration plates and inspection stickers expire in the same month on all vehicles. Moving from a semiannual inspection to an annual inspection will take approximately six months for all vehicles to fall into the proper cycle. Therefore it is expected that some vehicles will be required to obtain one more semiannual inspection before being able to fall into the annual inspection cycle. As mention previously this is necessary to maintain the inspection and registration cycle for that vehicle. For example, if the vehicle registration expires in June then the inspection for that vehicle shall also expire in June.

If your vehicle registration expires in: January, February, March, April, May or June then you are already on the correct inspection cycle and should be issued an annual inspection sticker upon re-inspection in 2013. This is because the semiannual inspection had recently been completed within the past 6 months and the next inspection would be a full 12 month inspection.

If your vehicle registration expires in: July, August, September, October, November or December then you will be required to obtain one more semiannual inspection before falling into the annual cycle. Inspection stations should be issuing you a 6 month inspection sticker for your first inspection in 2013 and then your subsequent inspection during 2013 would be a full 12 month inspection. For example, if your registration expires in July then you would be required to obtain on more semiannual inspection in January of 2013. That inspection should expire in July of 2013 placing you on the annual cycle. Your next inspection in July of 2013 would then be good for 12 months and expire in July 2014.

It is important to remember that the periodic inspection requirements of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations require that each vehicle be inspection at least once during each 12 month period. The transition process explained above is in accordance with those requirements.

This is a reminder to all inspection stations and mechanics that all model year 1996 and newer vehicle inspections, regardless of weight or emissions test requirement, are required to be reported electronically (through the NHOST unit) per RSA 266:1 VII-a (b). Please note that any inspection station utilizing the Sticker Register option must put all inspections through the NHOST unit regardless of model year. All inspections including motorcycle inspection can be reported through NHOST unit. The station is not charged the per test fee for vehicles that are not OBD required. Please call the DMV at 227-4120 if you have any questions.

The e-mail blast below was originally sent on May 4, 2012

This email is being sent to clarify that an antique vehicle is one that is REGISTERED AND PLATED AS ANTIQUE in order to be eligible for an antique sticker. If a vehicle is 40 or more model years old and registered with any other plate type, it is not eligible for an antique biennial sticker and shall be inspected according to the registration type. Antique vehicles that are 40 or more model years old are to be inspected biennially (every 2 years) in the month of April per Saf-C 3224.01(a) (2). Inspection stations are required to use the correct expiration year sticker on vehicles that are eligible to receive them. A sticker that expires in one year is not allowed as long as the expiration sticker year is available through the DMV. In special circumstances a 1 year sticker has been used if prior approval from DMV has been given. Stickers with 2014 expiration dates are currently available and should be used. As with all inspection stickers; if you don’t have the correct expiration year, you shouldn’t be inspecting vehicles that require them until you get the proper stickers. Please contact the DMV at 227-4120 if you have any questions.

**** PLEASE READ AND SHARE WITH OTHERS ****
The DMV began requiring that anyone attending the inspection classes held at the DMV on the first Tuesday of every month will need to be signed up prior to attending a class. The class is still free however mechanics that do not sign up in advance will not be allowed to attend. Please do not show up for the class if you have not been pre-registered as YOU WILL BE TURNED AWAY. To pre-register call the inspection desk at 227-4120 and provide your name, date of birth, driver's license number, and the inspection station name and number that you are associated with and where you will be field tested. You will need to sign up for either the class at 2:00pm or the one at 6:30pm. Both classes are held at the DMV Auditorium at 23 Hazen Drive, Concord.

This is the Motorcycle Inspection Required Tool List. Click here for details: Motorcycle Inspection Tool List.

This is the Motorcycle Inspection list of Responsibility: Motorcycle Inspection Responsibility.

The process for returning used sticker books has changed. Click here for details: How to return sticker books to DMV.

We are pleased to announce that the need to fill out the sticker book stub for most inspections has been eliminated. In general, inspections performed through the NHOST unit will not require sticker stub completion. Inspections done without using the NHOST unit will require you to complete the sticker stub.

How does this work?
The NHOST system formats the inspection records into a ”register” that you print and attach to the completed sticker book before you return the used book to DMV.

The register prints asterisks (****) beside stickers that have no inspection record on file (similar to a checking account statement). These stickers are the ones that were issued without the NHOST machine and must be filled out in the sticker book. If all inspections are done through the NHOST machine, there should be no asterisks and you will not have needed to complete any stubs.

Note that you are not charged anything for using the NHOST machine to complete inspections that are on non-OBD vehicles. There is still a $50 minimum per month, but using the NHOST system for all inspections will not increase your costs.

If you have any questions, please call the helpline at 800-383-4124 or the OBD Program at 227-4120.

This is a reminder to all inspection stations and mechanics that all model year 1996 and newer vehicle inspections, regardless of weight or emissions test requirement, are required to be reported electronically (through the NHOST unit) per RSA 266:1 VII-a (b). Please note that any inspection station utilizing the Sticker Register option must put all inspections through the NHOST unit regardless of model year. All inspections including motorcycle inspection can be reported through NHOST unit. The station is not charged the per test fee for vehicles that are not OBD required.

Please call the DMV at 227-4120 if you have any questions

The new Salem DMV office, located at 154 Main Street in Salem is now open for business. Hours are still the same; Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. Please note that the DMV at the Salem Town Hall location at 33 Geremonty Drive is closed. The Town of Salem recently became an agent of the state and as a result the town may now process both the Town and State portions of most registration transactions; however all other DMV transactions will need to be conducted at the new 154 Main Street location. The new DMV office is just over one mile from the Salem Town Hall, beside the Salem Fire Department Headquarters on Main Street.

If you have any questions, please call 227-4120.

This is a reminder to all inspecting mechanics and stations that tampering with the On-Board Diagnostics of a vehicle is not permitted for any reason. OBD tampering is subject to state and federal criminal charges as well as administrative hearing.

Saf-C 3222.04 Tampering With the Emission Control System of a Vehicle. (a) For the purposes of this section, "tamper with" means to permanently remove, bypass, defeat, or otherwise render inoperable, any portion of an emission control system, including software, that is installed in or on a motor vehicle. (b) If, during a safety inspection or OBD inspection, a mechanic determines that any portion of an emission control system has been tampered with pursuant to (a) above, the mechanic shall report, in writing, the details of such tampering to the department. (c) Upon receipt of a report pursuant to (b) above, the department shall notify the EPA for any action it deems appropriate. (d) If a mechanic tampers with any portion of an emission control system pursuant to (a) above, the mechanic shall be subject to an administrative hearing pursuant to RSA 266:1, XI(a) and PART Saf-C 3248.

State authorized mechanics are responsible to be familiar with and comply with all motor vehicle inspection rules and laws. These rules and laws are available for review on your NHOST unit in the "Information and Training Materials" menu.

If you have any questions, please contact the Division of Motor Vehicles at 227-4120.

Please note that the correct phone number for the DMV is 227-4120.

REMINDER*** If you are utilizing the sticker register process, you must attach (staple) the register to the back of the sticker booklet when returning them. This will prevent having to return them back to you. Thank you for your attention.

If you have any questions, please call the inspection desk at 227-4120.

This notice is being sent out as a reminder in regard to the sticker registry option that stations are now using. If the system asks you to enter the inspection number twice, we would recommend filling in the sticker book for that inspection.

The system will ask for re-entry of the sticker number if the sticker number is not listed in the unit's database of available stickers or if the sticker has already been issued.

You should be aware that the sticker database is updated overnight, so stickers that are purchased today will not be in our system until tomorrow. This means that stickers won't be listed as available on the unit until the day after you purchase them. If you use the stickers the same day you purchase then, you should complete the stub.

You can verify the sticker number that was entered into the test machine by comparing the sticker number shown on the VIR to the sticker that you are about to put on the vehicle.

Again, if the unit asks for the sticker number twice, fill out the sticker book for that inspection.

The sticker register option is available to all stations. Here is how it works in 3 easy steps:

1) When you inspect any vehicle, truck, trailer, or motorcycle, put the inspection through the NHOST unit. Fill out the back of the sticker and place it on the vehicle as required (Saf-C 3245.03) and you are done. You don’t need to complete the stub portion of the sticker book. YOU MUST PUT THE VEHICLE INSPECTION THROUGH THE TEST EQUIPMENT.

2) BEFORE you return the finished sticker book to the DMV, you will need to go into the Administrative menu on the NHOST unit and print the Sticker Register for that book of stickers. Go to the "Administrative menu", "Sticker Inquiry" section and then to Sticker Register. Make sure that any sticker numbers showing asterisks (*****) on the register have a completed stub in the sticker book BEFORE you send it back into DMV. Any Sticker numbers with plus signs (++++++) means you entered the same sticker number for more than one inspection. You must make sure you tell us which VIN received which sticker.

3) Once you have checked the book to the register, you MUST attach the register to the book that it goes with and send it back to DMV. Sticker books that have blank stubs for issued stickers that are received without a register are not acceptable.

SIMPLY STATED; if the sticker is detached from the book, the register has to show the VIN it was issued to or the stub must be completed. If not, it is a violation of the inspection rules (Saf-C3245.04) and we know you don't want to do that.

PLEASE NOTE: You are not charged anything for using the NHOST machine to complete inspections that are on non-OBD vehicles. There is still a $50 minimum per month, but using the NHOST system for inspections on non-OBD vehicles will not increase your costs.

The next software release to the stations will have the "How to" use and print the sticker register information listed on the NHOST machine under "Information and Training Materials", "Important Program Notes". Please print it out and keep it handy for reference. You can view the "How To" now by going to www.nhostservices.com on an internet capable computer and click on "Notices".

If you have read through the "HOW TO " information and still have questions please contact the helpline at 1-800-383-4124 or the OBD program at 603-227-4120.

We are considering offering an optional service for the NHOST program. We will make a final decision about this feature in the near future after gauging the interest of New Hampshire inspection stations.

In addition to the availability of laser printers, we have recently been developing the ability to connect the NHOST unit to an existing customer-furnished network printer already used in the station. There may be several advantages to using a network printer: the need to maintain only one printer in your operation, the simplifying of ink or toner needs, moving the printout of VIRs from the shop environment to your office or customer service desk, etc.

As this may be offered as an option there will be costs associated with the network printer program. These would include a $100.00 set up fee and an $85.00 service fee (which will include time on site as well as travel time from and to NHOST office) for network repairs or support not directly associated with the NHOST PC.

If you may be interested in connecting the NHOST unit to your network printer, we would appreciate it if you would contact the Helpline at 800-383-4124 and take a few moments to answer a couple of questions.

Please be advised that New Hampshire will begin issuing a redesigned certificate of title for motor vehicles in July 2010.

The significant changes reflected in the new design are as follows:

• The size of the title certificate has been increased to 8.5"X11".
• The vehicle identification number (VIN) will print twice the second (VIN) will be in a shaded box.
• Additional fields have been added to the title, gross vehicle weight (GVW) and number of axles (AXLES).
• The current title number font will be increased in size for easy detection and will be printed in a shaded box.
• The title will include a printed bar code on the bottom left hand side, compliant with AAMVA specifications.
• On the reverse side of the title you will find a third box added under the odometer disclosure statement "Actual Mileage" box.

Please note that we will not be reissuing or replacing existing New Hampshire title certificates. The old designs will remain in circulation unless a replacement title is applied for and issued.

We ask that you continue to honor both old and new certificate of title designs.

We hope you find this information useful.

Please direct any questions or concerns to Priscilla Vaughan at 603-271-2719, or email Priscilla.vaughan@dos.nh.gov from a web enabled computer.

When a new mechanic is certified by the State Police there is a waiting period before the mechanic’s name will appear on the NHOST unit.

During this time period, the mechanic should be fulfilling the NHOST training requirement using the ‘Training and Information Materials’ on the NHOST unit. This information can be accessed without a passcode and by simply clicking on the Start Here green traffic light in the upper left corner of the Main Menu screen.

Once the mechanic’s name appears on the NHOST unit, the mechanic will need to go into the ‘Administrative’ menu, ‘Change Passcode’ menu and set up a secure passcode for themselves.

The instructions to do this are in the ‘Information and Training Materials’ under the ‘Admin Menu Functions Videos’ menu, ‘About Changing Passcodes’ menu.

If the mechanic does not hold a New Hampshire Drivers license, they will need to call the OBD Program at 603-227-4120 to get their mechanic ID number.

Once the mechanic has set up a secure passcode for themselves, they must take and pass the ‘NHOST Certification Exam’ at the end of the information and training materials before they will be authorized to perform state inspections through the NHOST unit.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Help Line at 1-800-383-4124 or the OBD program at 603-227-4120.

Gordon Darby will soon make Dell laser printers available to stations as an upgrade to the ink jet printers currently being used on NHOST units. As a preliminary step this email is being sent out to gauge the interest of NH inspection stations to this kind of an upgrade.

There are several factors to consider.

First, the cost of replacement toner cartridges; compared to the cost of the cartridges used in the inkjet printers, laser cartridges are considerably more expensive. A 2 pack of Epson black ink cartridges is offered through the NHOST unit for $23.50. A laser toner cartridge will cost in the range of $60-$70. However, the number of VIRs that can be printed with the standard laser cartridge is approximately 1000 pages compared to the approximate 400 VIRs from the 2 Epson inkjet cartridges. These figures result in a cost of $.06 per page for the Epson inkjet and $.06 - $.07 per page for the Dell laser.

Secondly, for improved reliability, the laser printers will include a paper compartment that will help keep the paper clean. One of the challenges of running printers in automotive repair shops is the presence of airborne dust. Having the paper stored in a compartment prior to its use in the printer will decrease the likelihood of the paper jams in the feed mechanism.

Thirdly, the Dell printer may not be compatible with some UPS units (uninterruptible power supply) because of power draw requirements of the printer. This would result in the inability to use those UPS units to power the printer.

Also, the Dell laser printer will print at a higher page per minute rate. The effect of this for inspection stations will be that it won’t take as long to print out a VIR and any attending OBD rejection sheets.

This update to the laser printer is optional at this point, although we may eventually require this upgrade statewide.

If you would be interested in receiving a laser printer to replace the ink jet printer, please notify us by emailing a response to this message from your NHOST unit to the Program Manager, or by calling the helpline at (800)383-4124. There are no additional fees from Gordon Darby associated with switching to the laser printer.

Recent thunderstorms have raised 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.

As always, feel free to contact the NHOST Helpline, 800-383-4124, for program assistance.

RSA 261:62, II (d) was recently amended via Chapter 140, House Bill 448-Local and now allows for a person to renew a vehicle registration during the 4 months prior to its expiration without having to verify the owner’s absence from the State.

When RSA 266:1, I-III is read in conjunction with RSA 261:62, II(d) it stands to reason that an owner may now receive an inspection sticker as early as 4 months in advance, not to exceed 16 months. Therefore, the position taken by the DMV when asked if a vehicle may be inspected before the registration is renewed is yes. They may be eligible to receive an inspection sticker that expires the following year provided the vehicle is currently registered and it meets the inspection criteria

Please remember that a current registration does not expire until the LAST day of the month and that persons may not be charged with a violation of failing to obey inspection requirements until a period of 10 days has lapsed from the date the inspection was due.

If you have any questions, please call the DMV inspection desk at 603-271-0321 or State Police Troop G at 603-271-3339.

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 owner’s 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.

Please reference Information and Training Materials menu on the NHOST unit. Print out “Important Program Notes” for reference chart.

Please contact the OBD program at 603-227-4120 with any questions.

Thank you for your continued cooperation.

We would like to remind everyone of the importance of maintaining your NHOST inspection unit in its original condition. It is very important not to add equipment to the unit or replace equipment that has been supplied with the unit (keyboard, monitor, etc.) with equipment that is not authorized by Gordon Darby. Additionally, the PC box is not to be opened under any circumstances and no software can be installed on the unit. These circumstances are addressed in the contract as shown below:

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.

If you feel that the unit(s) at your station has been compromised in any way in regard to these stipulations, please contact the Helpline immediately to resolve the matter.

If you do have any questions, please contact the Helpline at 800-383-4124.

In an effort to increase the availability of important information being communicated to NH inspection stations operating NHOST inspection units, we would like to announce that certain features are being planned.

NHOST now provides the option of having NHOST notifications sent to an e-mail address in addition to your NHOST unit(s).

Your station's inspection history will soon be available to you for viewing by way of the Internet.

NHOST will soon be able to send a notification to an e-mail address you provide of all consumable items ordered via the NHOST unit.

If you are an owner or manager and are interested in the above enhancements, please provide Gordon Darby the e-mail address where you would like to receive this information. Only one e-mail address per station can be accepted at this time.

Please respond to this e-mail directly to "Program Manager" through your NHOST unit's mail feature providing Gordon-Darby with the e-mail address you would like NHOST notifications sent to.

We thank and commend all of the inspection stations and mechanics for maintaining the highly successful OBD II/Safety Inspection program operations achieved to date. As always, please contact NHOST Services for program assistance through e-mail or the Help Line at 800-383-4124.

RE:New Registration Barcode

As part of the newest software release, it is now possible for the NHOST system to read the 2-D barcode which is part of the registration form that was phased into circulation on July 18, 2008. The barcode reader remains able to read the barcode on the vehicle, as well as the barcode from a previous VIR.

If you have any questions, please contact the Helpline at 800-383-4124.

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.

As always, feel free to contact the NHOST Helpline, 800-383-4124, for program assistance.

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.

As always, please contact NHOST Services for program assistance through email or the Help Line at 800-383-4124.

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.

If you have any questions about this at any time, do not hesitate to contact the Inspection Desk at DMV or my office at 271-2559

The State of New Hampshire Department of Safety, Division of Motor Vehicles has made a change in the format of the registration certificate.

This new certificate will be printed on white 8½ by 3¾ paper with the state seal in the background. It will contain all of the essential information as the "old style" registration certificates as well as some newer features. You will no longer be required to enter any information regarding the inspection on the back of the registration certificate.

Implementation is due to be completed in early September, 2008. The "old style" registration certificate will be completely phased out by April, 2010.

In addition to the registration certificate, you may see a new form called a 30-Day Registration Extension. This will be used ONLY if the State computers are not operational during the last five (5) days of the month, and a citizen's registration is due to expire, making the registration certificate valid and the vehicle able to be inspected.

If you have any questions, please contact the Bureau of Registration Inspection Desk at 603-271-2321.

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 603-227-4120.

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

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.

If you have any questions, please call the NHOST help line at 800-383-4124.

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.

As always, feel free to contact the NHOST Helpline, 800-383-4124, for program assistance.

This Blast explains the updated billing policy that will be used to determine chargeable tests for stations, which applies to all tests performed on or after December 1, 2006.

Stations will be charged a transaction fee for any test that meets one of the following criteria:

• All initial tests performed on vehicles subject to OBD testing
• Retests on OBD vehicles that have not received an OBD-only rejection during any inspection in the current cycle.
• Retests that occur more than 60 days after the first OBD rejection in the current cycle.

Regardless of where the previous NHOST OBD test was performed, stations will not be charged a transaction fee except as described above. Any retests after the 60-day period referenced in item 3, even if the vehicle continues to fail OBD, will be charged a transaction fee. This 60-day non-chargeable period is designed to be the same as the waiver period that the motorist has to get the vehicle repaired following the date of initial OBD rejection.

As always, please contact the NHOST Helpline at 800-383-4124 with any program questions. You may also refer customers with program questions to the NHOST Motorist Helpline at 800-295-5276.

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 603-271-4120.

Vehicle Inspection Report

It is important to provide information and discuss inspection results with your customers. The Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR) is a helpful tool to use when discussing inspection results.

Inspection stations are required to print and give customers the Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR) along with any accompanying documents that print out with the VIR. The VIR must be signed by the mechanic who inspected the vehicle on the line provided at the lower left portion of the VIR.

Please contact the NHOST Helpline at 800-383-4124 for program assistance.

OBD Information

Information about OBD testing and OBD rejections can be printed directly from your NHOST to provide to your customers. This information will also be helpful when discussing inspection results and advising customers on necessary repairs.

To print the OBD information: from the “Main Menu.” Go to “Information and Training” then click on “One Page OBD Information Sheets,” you will see buttons for seven information sheet options.

The “OBD Motorist brochure” is general information about OBD, including what do to if the vehicle is rejected.

If the vehicle is rejected for the OBD portion of the test, the rejection reason(s) will print directly from the unit after the inspection is completed.

Please contact the NHOST Helpline at 800-383-4124 for program assistance

To help diagnose communication problems, NHOST has developed an easy-to-use "OBD Voltage Tester" that will allow stations a way to quickly and efficiently perform a voltage test of OBD cables.

When vehicle communication problems occur this tester can be used to determine if the issue is caused by a damaged OBD cable or a legitimate communication problem associated with the vehicle being tested. The tester is used in conjunction with NHOST diagnostic menu software that is already on your NHOST unit.

From the "Main Menu" go to "Utilities Menu" then select "Diagnostic Tools". After entering your pass code, click "Check OBD Unit". You will then plug the OBD cable into the OBD Voltage Tester and click "OBD Connection Check", the result will show either "Successful" or "Failed".

Failed results usually indicate that either the OBD BLACK NULL CABLE or the ORANGE OBD CABLE has a problem and should be replaced. In some instances the OBD module will need to be replaced.

The Division of Motor Vehicles has made available an Economic Hardship Waiver with the endorsement of the legislature for those individuals who cannot afford OBD repairs.

Please advise customers who fail OBD ONLY and pass safety that they may be eligible to obtain an Economic Hardship Waiver. Please inform customers who have questions or an interest in acquiring an Economic Hardship Waiver that they must contact the Division of Motor Vehicles at 603-227-4120.

As always thank you for your continued cooperation. If you have any questions regarding this e-mail please contact the OBD Program at 603-227-4120.

If your NHOST unit is down and an inspection cannot be performed off-line, then the inspection cannot be completed and a sticker cannot be issued until the NHOST unit is up and running. This includes the printer, as the provision of the VIR to the motorist is required.

Please call the NHOST Help-Line at 1-800-383-4124 immediately to report and/or troubleshoot any issues with your NHOST unit.

Questions have been raised about OBDII readiness monitors and how vehicles must be operated following OBDII repairs to set the readiness monitors. Required vehicle operation will depend on the specific vehicle make and model as well as other factors.

In general, we suggest you instruct motorists who have vehicles that do not pass OBD II readiness requirements to drive the vehicle for a week under normal conditions and then return the vehicle for retesting.

This will set the readiness monitors on most vehicles, with additional driving typically required for relatively few vehicles. If not, the manufacturer will need to be contacted for specific requirements needed to reset the readiness monitors.

As always, please contact the NHOST Helpline at 800-383-4124 with questions or for assistance.

Per RSA 266:59-b (V), a vehicle that fails the OBD II test and passes all other inspection requirements will be issued a temporary waiver that permits its operation for 60 days from the date of issuance, in order to make required repairs. This provision applies to vehicles owned both by private individuals and motor vehicle dealers, and should provide sufficient time for OBD II readiness monitors to be set following any OBD II repairs. Stations should make sure that vehicle owners are aware of this 60-day waiver period and the need to allow sufficient time following repairs for the setting of the readiness monitors. If a vehicle passes the safety inspection but fails the OBDII test, a temporary plate can be issued since the vehicle is safe for the road. The 60-day waiver period and retest requirements are applicable to such vehicles.

Inspection stations are required to print and give customers the Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR) along with any accompanying documents that print out with the VIR per Saf-C 3223.04. The VIR must be signed by the mechanic who inspected the vehicle on the line provided at the lower left portion of the VIR.

If you have any questions please contact the Division of Motor Vehicle OBD Program at 603-227-4120 or the NHOST Helpline at 800-383-4124.

NHOST Services has developed a tool that will provide NH inspection stations the opportunity to post their inspection fees on the NHOST website.

Since the end of February, station’s inspection fees have been accessible on www.nhinspect.com.

Stations can submit their information (listed below) to NHOST, via NHOST mail or conventional email. Changes will be allowed and will also be accepted by email to NHOST. Email must include:

• Station Name
• Station Number
• Station Address
• Station Phone Number
• Contact/Authorizing Name
• Fee for OBD inspection
• Fee for non-OBD inspection

Send to:

Conventional email: To: Info@nhostservices.com Attention: "Call Center Manager” Subject: NHOST Inspection Fee

OR

NHOST mail (on the NHOST Unit) To: “Billing/Accounting” Subject: NHOST Inspection Fee

Prices listed on The NHOST website will be frequently updated and will reflect the most current information, as submitted to NHOST by authorized representatives of NH inspection stations. Prices may not reflect any available discounts or other available special offers and are subject to change. NHOST is not liable for verifying fees posted on the website versus actual inspection fees charged.

As always, feel free to contact the NHOST Help Line via email or by calling 800-383-4124 for more information or program assistance.

The NHOST unit is programmed to warn mechanics when “Non-Communication” or “No Voltage” is detected during an OBD inspection.

The warning light – located on the right side of the Main Menu screen on your NHOST unit - will start out yellow, go to orange then ultimately red after consecutive Non-Communication or No Voltage is detected.

It is important to follow the instructions on the screen to resolve the error. If the error is not resolved it will result in the unit not being allowed to complete an OBD inspection.

It is very important not to ignore the warning light. Ignoring the warning lights will interrupt your ability to perform inspections.

If your NHOST Unit displays an “OBD WARNING” light, please place your cursor on the light and click on it, this will bring up a screen with information concerning the type of error that is being detected. Please follow the on screen instructions to correct the problem that caused this warning.

As always, do not hesitate to contact the NHOST Tech Help Line at 800-383-4124 for further assistance.

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, terminate your station agreement, and retrieve the NHOST unit from your location.

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 send:

• Name of mechanic
• Mechanic certificate number
• Mechanic date of birth
• Mechanic driver’s license number

On company letterhead with the inspection station number and signed by the station owner/manager, to:
Department of Safety – Division of Motor Vehicles
Inspection Desk; 33 Hazen Drive;
Concord, NH 03305

Some items used for operation of the NHOST unit are considered ”consumable” and are the responsibility of the station to maintain and replace, as necessary for proper operation of the NHOST unit. For your convenience, and to avoid any disruption providing testing services, we recommend keeping spares on-hand in your station and reorder as needed. Replacement parts may be ordered directly from the NHOST unit. From the “Main Menu” go to “Administrative Menu”, then “Order Spares”.

Black OBD Cable; Orange OBD Cable; Bar Code Scanner Cable; Cart Cover; Audio Cable; Monitor Cables (2); PC Power Cable; Printer USB Cable; Printer Power Cable; OBD Cover (2 halves); Phone cord; Toner cartridges

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 exercising proper care. 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 to your ability to perform inspections.

As always, do not hesitate to contact us for assistance though the Helpline, 800-383-4124.

Please note that Safety and OBD program rules, RSAs, can now be accessed directly from the NHOST unit.

In order to allow convenient access to this information, mechanics can reference RSAs and Saf-Cs by following the steps below:

From Main Menu:

Click on “Information & Training Materials”

Click on “VIEW RSA 266 & SAFETY REGULATIONS”

As always, feel free to contact the NHOST Helpline at 1-800-383-4124 for program assistance.

To ensure the high availability of the Vehicle Information Database or VID services, the Primary VID site is mirrored in real-time to a Backup site.

If the Primary site becomes unavailable, your NHOST unit will automatically try to access the VID using the Backup site.

If your NHOST unit(s) is having difficulty accessing the Backup site, this is likely due to a configuration of your network, firewall or router. You, or the person(s) responsible for your network, firewall and router, need to make sure that your NHOST units can access BOTH of the two IP addresses. These addresses can be obtained by calling the Helpline at 1-800-383-4124.

You must be able to access the IP addresses using Port 80 and/or Port 4444. Some stations have reported difficulty reaching at least one of the IP addresses using Port 4444. Therefore, we recommend that you try Port 80 first. If that works for your NHOST unit(s), then leave your NHOST unit(s) set for Port 80. Otherwise try Port 4444.

To check to see if you can access both VID sites, please:

1. Select the Utilities Menu item from the Main Menu of your NHOST unit.
2. Select the Connection Setup and Dial Options button.
3. Select your name from the list and enter your passcode.
4. Select the "Set TCP/IP Information" button.
5. Press "OK" at "Changes will not be applied until the OK button is clicked".

NHOST Services Help Line: 800-383-4124 (M-F 8am-6pm; S 8am-2pm)

NHOST Services website: nhostservices.com

DMV OBD Specialist: 603-227-4120 Note: All NHOST program calls to DMV should be directed to the OBD Specialist

Every mechanic authorized at your station will show up in the list which displays whenever a task requires a passcode.

If a mechanic is NOT listed, they can NOT be added from the NHOST unit.

You must submit change requests in writing to DMV.

Please send them the following information on company letterhead, signed by the station owner/manager:

• Name of mechanic
• Mechanic certificate number
• Mechanic date of birth
• Mechanic driver’s license number

Send it to:

Department of Safety – Division of Motor Vehicles
Inspection Desk
33 Hazen Drive
Concord, NH 03305
603-227-4120

The first question asked when you start an inspection is “Does the VIN on the vehicle match the VIN on the registration?” If the vehicle in not registered (for example, a brand new car), then answer YES to this question because there is not a registration to cause a disagreement.