Missouri Vehicle Safety Inspection Requirements

Posted in Lawsuit on July 17, 2019

If you drive a vehicle in Missouri, you will need to pass a vehicle safety inspection conducted by the state. These inspections are necessary to ensure that your vehicle does not pose a threat to public safety or health, and create greater risk of car accidents. Generally, you have to receive a motor vehicle inspection once every two years after your vehicle turns 5 years old.

Who Needs to Get a Safety Inspection in Missouri?

If you have a vehicle that is over 5 years old in Missouri, you need to get a safety inspection once every two years. You will need to visit an authorized Missouri inspection station and pay up to a $12 fee for inspection. At the end of your inspection, you will receive a Certificate of Inspection and Approval for you to renew your registration or title and license. You must also receive a safety inspection whenever you sell or transfer ownership of a car.

The following vehicles may be exempt from receiving a safety inspection in Missouri. If you are unsure whether your vehicle needs to receive a safety inspection, check with the Missouri Department of Revenue; your renewal notice from this office should tell you if you need to receive an inspection.

• Vehicles under five years old from their model year
• Vehicles registered for more than 26,000 pounds for less than one year
• Trailers
• Low speed vehicles
• Vehicles sold for junk and scrap
• Vehicles sold between dealers
• Vehicles with historic plates
• Vehicles used for interstate commerce registered with the Missouri Department of Transportation
• Vehicles with even model years with registrations that expire in odd calendar years
• Vehicles with odd model years with registrations that expire in even calendar years

What Does the Safety Inspection Check For?

In order to ensure your vehicle is up to the standard it needs to be, the inspector will be checking certain features. If the inspector finds anything wrong with these features, you will have to receive repairs as soon as possible.

• The inspector will look at certain interior features of your car. He or she will check the steering wheel, brake pedal, and brake warning light to ensure that they operate seamlessly. The inspector will also look at if your windshield wipers, horn, and high beam indicators work. He or she will also check the state of your seat belts, glass glazing, and mirrors.

• Your vehicle’s ability to brake safely is one of the most important parts of your safety inspection. To ensure your brake components are up to standard, the inspector will remove your wheels to look at your brake function.

• A Missouri safety inspection also ensures that your vehicle complies with air pollution laws. The inspector will look at your air injection system, spark control, oxygen sensor, and other mechanisms that control air and fume input and output.

• The inspector will also examine the exterior of your vehicle. He or she will check your rear, signal, front, and brake lights, along with your reflector. The inspector will also check the condition of your wiper blades and gas filler cap.

• Your vehicle will need to comply with maximum height requirements for your front and rear bumpers. The inspection will look at whether your bumpers are at the correct height.

• The inspector will also examine certain features under your hood. He or she will check the condition of your upper control arms, power steering unit, and master cylinder unit. The inspector will also look at the condition of your steering mechanisms, such as the tie rods, strut mounting, and steering box.

• Your inspector will also want to ensure that your engine is free of any defects or malfunctions. He or she will examine your exhaust system, brake lines, your fuel system, and many other engine components, including your shock absorbers and ball joints.

Missouri vehicle safety inspections are important for the well-being of all drivers. Ensuring that your vehicle components are up to standard will help you avoid accidents later down the line. Failure to receive a required safety inspection can lead to liability in future car accidents, along with other potential penalties. If you need the assistance of an attorney after a car accident contact our Kansas City personal injury lawyers today.