Many vehicles need a safety inspection before they can be registered or renewed. Just as you must be in shape to drive, your vehicle must be in shape to be driven. Newer, lower-mileage vehicles are exempt.
Know the rule
A safety inspection is good for two registration years unless you sell the vehicle. Even model-year vehicles are inspected when registration expires in even calendar years; odd model years in odd years.
Handbook p. 85 ↗Most an official station may charge for a safety inspection ($10 for a motorcycle)
Handbook p. 85 ↗How long a passed inspection certificate is valid
Handbook p. 85 ↗Know the rule
A certificate from a Missouri dealer is good for 90 days if the inspection was completed within 60 days before the purchase date.
Handbook p. 85 ↗Exempt from safety inspection:
- Vehicles in the first ten years after their model year with under 150,000 miles (out-of-state titles too)
- All trailers
- Vehicles in intrastate commerce registered with the Missouri Department of Transportation
- Vehicles with historic license plates
- Vehicles sold for junk, salvage or rebuilding, or sold dealer to dealer
- Low speed vehicles
- Vehicles registered for 26,000 pounds or more for less than 12 months
Know the rule
Example from the guide: a 2017 model year vehicle that stays under 150,000 miles is exempt through calendar year 2027.
Handbook p. 85 ↗
Equipment with specific requirements
| Item | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Headlights | At least two working white headlights |
| Taillights | Two red taillights and reflectors, seen from 500 ft |
| Safety glass | In all windows if made after January 1, 1936 |
| Front seat belts | Two sets in cars made after June 30, 1964 |
| Mirrors | Inside and outside, if made after 1967 |
| Bumpers | Passenger vehicles: no higher than 22 in. |
| Mud flaps | Trucks over 24,000 lbs without rear fenders |
To pass, your vehicle must also have:
- Brakes in good working order
- Working turn signals and brake lights as originally installed
- Steering without too much play or binding
- No bald or mismatched tires
- A windshield not badly broken, with nothing reducing visibility except legal stickers
- Working windshield wipers, and a horn others can hear
- An attached exhaust pipe, muffler and tailpipe
- A fuel system firmly attached, with no leaks
- Original pollution control devices, if made after 1967 and not diesel
Put it into practice
Your 2020 model car has 160,000 miles. It's still within ten years of its model year, but it's over 150,000 miles, so it's no longer exempt and needs a safety inspection before you renew.