Missouri Bill Proposes Ending $12 Vehicle Safety Inspections in 2027

Missouri drivers currently pay $12 for mandatory vehicle safety inspections, but a new bill could eliminate this requirement by 2027. The proposed changes are part of Senate Bill 1408, which has expanded beyond its original focus on speed limits to include broader transportation regulations.

If passed, the bill would take effect on January 1, 2027, marking a significant shift in the state’s vehicle inspection policies.

Key Changes in Senate Bill 1408

End of Safety Inspections

The bill proposes removing safety inspection requirements for all motor vehicles starting in 2027, with a few exceptions:

• Salvage vehicles immediately after a rebuilding process
• Vehicles ordered for inspection by law enforcement following an accident

Currently, Missouri requires safety inspections for:

• Vehicles over 10 years old with more than 150,000 miles (every 2 years)
• Any vehicle during an ownership change
• Vehicles inspected at the direction of law enforcement after an accident

Inspections cover critical components such as lights, brakes, suspension, tires, exhaust, and other safety-related parts. The $12 fee has remained unchanged for years, but this bill would remove the requirement entirely.

Speed Limit Increases

In addition to ending safety inspections, the bill proposes raising speed limits on rural, four-lane highways from 70 mph (113 km/h) to 75 mph (121 km/h).

Salvage-Title Vehicle Regulations

The bill also includes changes for salvage-title vehicles. Under current law, owners of salvage-title vehicles do not need to restore them to their original appearance for a vehicle examination if the car is 10 years or older. The new bill removes the age requirement, meaning no salvage vehicle will need restoration regardless of age.

Legislative Process and Next Steps

Senate Bill 1408 initially focused solely on speed limit adjustments but has since expanded to include vehicle inspection reforms and salvage-title regulations. The bill passed the Missouri Senate and now awaits deliberation in the Missouri House of Representatives before it can receive final approval.

If enacted, these changes would represent a major shift in Missouri’s vehicle regulations, affecting millions of drivers across the state.