How Much Do Car Inspections Cost in Missouri? A Complete Guide

Car inspections are a routine part of vehicle ownership, ensuring safety and compliance with state regulations. If you’re a Missouri driver, understanding the costs associated with these inspections is crucial. Typically, a standard car inspection in Missouri is quite affordable, often around $12.00. Furthermore, Missouri offers a benefit for vehicle owners: should your car fail the initial inspection, a second inspection is usually free if you complete the necessary repairs within 20 days.

This guide will delve into everything you need to know about car inspection costs in Missouri, going beyond just the price tag. We’ll cover inspection frequency, specific requirements, what’s checked during an inspection, and answer common questions to keep you informed and prepared.

Missouri Car Inspection Requirements: Frequency and Exemptions

In Missouri, most vehicles are required to undergo a safety inspection once every two years. The schedule is based on your vehicle’s model year. If your car’s model year is an even number, it needs inspection in even-numbered years. Conversely, odd-numbered model year vehicles are inspected in odd-numbered years.

However, there are some notable exceptions to this biennial inspection rule:

Newer, Low-Mileage Vehicles: If your vehicle is less than ten years old and has been driven less than 150,000 miles since its manufacture date, you are exempt from the routine inspection. It’s important to note that the ten-year period is based on the manufacturing date, not how long you’ve owned the car.
Older Vehicles: Cars and trucks manufactured more than 25 years ago are also exempt from regular inspections.
Heavy Duty Vehicles: Trailers or RVs with a gross vehicle weight exceeding 8,500 pounds are not required to be inspected in Missouri.
Motorcycles and Dirt Bikes: Missouri does not mandate safety inspections for motorbikes and dirt bikes.
Low Mileage Exemption (Between Inspections): If you’ve driven your car or truck less than 40,000 miles since your last inspection, you may be exempt from the current inspection cycle. To claim this exemption, you’ll need to fill out a specific form before vehicle registration.

Understanding these exemptions can help you determine when your vehicle is due for its next Missouri safety inspection.

Safety vs. Emissions Inspections: What’s the Difference?

Missouri drivers sometimes confuse safety and emissions inspections. While both are related to vehicle health, they serve different purposes.

Safety Inspections: These inspections, which are the focus of our cost discussion, are designed to ensure your vehicle is safe to operate on Missouri roads. They check critical components like brakes, lights, steering, and tires.
Emissions Inspections: These inspections are focused on environmental impact. They check your vehicle’s exhaust system to ensure it’s not emitting excessive pollutants.

Whether you need an emissions inspection in Missouri depends on your county of residence. For example, in St. Louis County, emissions inspections are mandatory for all vehicles. It’s essential to check your local county regulations to determine if your vehicle requires an emissions test in addition to the safety inspection.

Out-of-State Vehicles and Inspections

Navigating inspection requirements can be tricky if you’re new to Missouri or traveling. Here’s what you need to know:

Vehicles Titled Out-of-State: If you’re registering a vehicle in Missouri that was previously titled in another state, you will need to have it inspected for VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) and mileage verification. This is a one-time inspection to ensure the vehicle’s identity and odometer reading are accurate.
Missouri Vehicles Out-of-State During Inspection Time: If your Missouri-registered vehicle is temporarily out of state when its inspection is due, you must obtain a vehicle inspection from another state and provide proof of this inspection, along with a notarized affidavit explaining your vehicle’s absence from Missouri.

Planning ahead for inspections, especially if you travel frequently, can prevent potential issues with your vehicle registration.

Finding an Authorized Missouri Inspection Station

To ensure your car inspection is valid, it must be performed at a Missouri Authorized Inspection Station. These are typically licensed mechanic shops and service centers that have met the state’s requirements for inspection equipment and training.

It’s crucial to use an authorized station because:

Proper Equipment: Authorized stations have the necessary tools to conduct thorough and accurate inspections.
Trained Professionals: Mechanics at these stations are trained on Missouri’s specific inspection standards.
Legally Recognized: Only inspections from authorized stations are recognized by the Missouri Department of Revenue for vehicle registration purposes.

You can typically find authorized inspection stations by looking for official signage or by checking the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s website for a list of licensed providers.

What Happens During a Missouri Car Safety Inspection?

A Missouri safety inspection is a comprehensive check of your vehicle’s critical safety systems. While not every detail is examined, the inspection focuses on key areas to ensure roadworthiness. Mechanics will typically inspect the following:

Braking System: Including brake pads, rotors, lines, and parking brake functionality.
Steering System: Checking for play and proper operation of steering components.
Exhaust System: Assessing for leaks and proper emission control equipment (though emissions testing is separate in some counties).
Tires and Wheels: Evaluating tire tread depth, sidewall condition, and wheel security.
Exterior Lights and Blinkers: Ensuring all headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals are functioning correctly.
Engine Integrity: A basic check for leaks and overall engine condition.
Shocks and Coil Springs: Inspecting suspension components for wear and damage.
Windshield Wipers: Ensuring they are in good working order for visibility.

This list is not exhaustive, but it covers the major components assessed during a standard Missouri safety inspection.

What If Your Car Fails Inspection?

If your vehicle fails to meet Missouri’s inspection standards, don’t panic. The mechanic will provide you with a detailed report outlining the reasons for failure and offer a quote for the necessary repairs.

You have options if your car fails:

Repair and Re-inspect: You can choose to have the repairs done at the inspection station or another mechanic. As mentioned earlier, if you get the repairs done and return for a re-inspection within 20 business days at the same station, the re-inspection is typically free.
Address the Issues: Even if you choose not to repair immediately at the inspection station, you are responsible for addressing the identified safety issues. Driving a vehicle that has failed inspection due to safety concerns can result in tickets and is unsafe.
Emissions Failure Timeline: If your vehicle fails specifically due to emissions standards, you have a longer timeframe – 60 days – to make the necessary repairs. Failure to rectify emissions issues within this period can lead to suspension of your vehicle registration.

Common Car Inspection Questions: Check Engine Light, Tires, and More

Drivers often have specific questions about how certain vehicle conditions might affect inspection results. Here are answers to some common queries:

Check Engine Light: No, your car will likely fail the emissions test (and potentially the safety inspection depending on the reason for the light) if the check engine light is illuminated. This warning indicates a potential issue that needs to be diagnosed and resolved.
Low Tire Pressure Light: No, your car will fail. Missouri inspections include checking the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). If the TPMS light is on indicating low tire pressure, your vehicle will not pass. Ensure your tires are properly inflated before your inspection. Worn tires may also cause a failure.
Airbag Light: No, the airbag light should not cause you to fail. Airbag system functionality is not currently part of the standard Missouri safety inspection process. However, it is crucial to address any airbag warnings for your safety.
Window Tint: Missouri has specific regulations regarding window tint. For front side windows, the tint must allow at least 35% of light to penetrate. Rear and back-side windows can have darker tint. Reflectivity of the tint also has limits. Excessive or illegal window tint can cause your vehicle to fail inspection.

Understanding these common points can help you proactively address potential issues before your car inspection.

Appealing Inspection Results and Financial Assistance

Appealing Inspection Results: If you believe an inspection station acted improperly or made an incorrect assessment, you have the right to report it to the Missouri State Highway Patrol. They will investigate the station and the inspection findings to ensure compliance with regulations.
Financial Assistance for Repairs: For low-income Missouri residents struggling to afford necessary car repairs to pass inspection, some resources are available. Organizations like VAC (Volunteer Action Center) in Boone County offer assistance with car repair expenses for eligible individuals. Federal grants and local charities may also provide support.

Consequences of Driving with an Expired Inspection

Driving with an outdated inspection tag in Missouri can lead to penalties.

Traffic Tickets: Law enforcement officers can pull you over and issue a ticket for an expired inspection. Fines for this violation typically range from $75 to $150, depending on the location within Missouri.
Safety Risks: More importantly than fines, driving without a valid inspection can be dangerous. Safety inspections are in place to minimize breakdowns and accidents caused by vehicle malfunctions. Ignoring necessary repairs puts yourself and other road users at risk.
No Grace Period: Missouri does not offer a grace period for expired safety inspections. Even being overdue by a single day can result in a ticket.

Therefore, it’s crucial to stay on top of your vehicle inspection schedule and address any issues promptly.

Conclusion: Stay Safe and Compliant with Missouri Car Inspections

Understanding car inspection costs and requirements in Missouri is essential for every vehicle owner. While the initial inspection fee is a modest $12.00, the long-term benefits of ensuring your vehicle’s safety far outweigh the cost. By adhering to the biennial inspection schedule, addressing any identified issues promptly, and using authorized inspection stations, you can maintain a safe and road-legal vehicle in Missouri.

Ready to schedule your car inspection? Contact your local authorized Missouri inspection station today to ensure your vehicle is up-to-date and safe on the road.