Car Inspection Laws in Missouri

Maintenance and regular vehicle inspections are crucial to keeping your car in working order and minimizing the chances of a crash. Moreover, Missouri law requires drivers to take their cars in for a vehicle safety inspection at regular intervals, and vehicles registered in some areas must also pass an emissions inspection. Failing to follow the motor vehicle inspection law could jeopardize your vehicle’s registration, and you could face other consequences.

The Missouri car accident lawyers at Sumner Law Group want you to have all the information you need to follow the law and stay safe on the road. With this article, we’ll tell you what you need to know about Missouri state vehicle inspections and the legal requirements for your vehicle.

What Are Missouri’s Required Safety and Emissions Inspections?

The Missouri Department of Revenue says there are two types of mandatory vehicle inspections. The first is a safety equipment inspection. In this inspection, a certified mechanic will examine the vehicle’s critical safety components to make sure they are in good condition and working correctly.

Vehicles registered in the City of St. Louis, St. Louis County, St. Charles County, Franklin County, or Jefferson County must also undergo an emissions test when the vehicle goes in for a safety inspection. The emissions inspection involves looking at the vehicle’s exhaust system and other components to make sure it does not emit too many harmful particles into the air during operation.

Why Does the State of Missouri Require Safety and Emissions Inspections?

The required safety and emissions inspections in Missouri serve two vital functions. The first is to help keep drivers safe and minimize collisions. If an inspector sees something wrong with a vehicle’s crucial components, the owner can fix those parts before they break or fail in a critical situation.

The second reason for emissions inspections serves a different but equally important purpose. Carbon dioxide and other byproducts of a car’s exhaust system can hurt people’s lungs and contribute to air pollution. Emissions standards help keep the amount of air pollution to a minimum and make the environment healthier for everyone.

Motor Vehicle Safety Inspection and Emissions Inspection Laws in Missouri

All vehicle owners must take their passenger vehicles in for a Missouri safety inspection every two years. Drivers with vehicles registered in even-numbered years (for example, 2012, 2014, etc.) must have their vehicles inspected in even-numbered years. Drivers with vehicles registered in odd-numbered years (for example, 2013, 2015, etc.) must have their vehicles inspected in odd-numbered years. However, all Missouri vehicles are exempt from the required safety inspections for the first five years after the model manufacture year.

Drivers must take their vehicles to certified car inspection stations for a valid safety inspection. Once a Missouri recognized repair technician has certified that the vehicle has passed the safety inspection, the owner will receive a vehicle inspection sticker.

Only certain Missouri vehicle owners must take their vehicles in for an emissions inspection. The emissions testing requirement applies to vehicles registered in the City of St. Louis and in St. Louis County, St. Charles County, Franklin County, and Jefferson County.

Where Can I Get an Emissions Test Done?

Only certified car inspection stations can conduct emissions testing in Missouri. You can search for approved emissions testing facilities here and contact the facility to ask about their car inspection cost.

Get Help from Our Missouri Car Accident Attorneys

If you have questions about Missouri’s car inspection laws and how they may apply to a car accident lawsuit, our St. Louis car accident attorneys can help. Call the Sumner Law Group today or complete our contact form for a free consultation.