by Speed increases, but safety in question: new bill in Missouri
Drivers accustomed to annual reductions in speed limits may be surprised to learn about the situation in Missouri. Here, traffic is moving in the opposite direction. A new bill proposes raising the speed limit on rural four-lane highways from 70 mph (113 km/h) to 75 mph (121 km/h). Additionally, this same document proposes eliminating mandatory vehicle safety inspections statewide.
How the bill has evolved
Senate Bill 1408 has undergone several revisions after initially being approved by the Missouri Senate, having been focused exclusively on speed limits. It has now been expanded to include other transportation issues. For final approval, the document must be considered by the Missouri House of Representatives.
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A separate bill, introduced earlier this year, proposed eliminating vehicle inspections for nearly all passenger cars. Owners of vehicles older than 10 years with mileage over 150,000 miles would need to undergo inspections every two years, as well as upon change of ownership or upon police referral after an accident. These inspections include checking headlights, brakes, suspension, tires, exhaust system, and other parts, and cost only $12.
Key changes
According to the latest version of the bill, vehicle inspection requirements will be eliminated for all vehicles as of January 1, 2027. The only exceptions will be vehicles with a “salvage” status immediately after the restoration process, as well as vehicles referred by police for inspection after an accident. Additionally, the bill will allow licensed new and used car dealers to conduct the same inspections as other authorized inspection stations.
Changes for vehicles with “salvage” status
The bill also introduces specific changes for vehicles with “salvage” status. Under current law, the owner of a vehicle with this status is not required to repair or restore the vehicle to its original condition to pass inspection if the vehicle is 10 years old or older. The new version removes the age requirement (10 years or older). This means that no vehicle with “salvage” status will need to be restored to its original condition, regardless of its age.
Thus, Missouri is on the verge of significant changes in transportation legislation. Increasing speed limits and eliminating mandatory vehicle inspections will certainly make life easier for drivers, but at the same time raise serious questions about road safety. Eliminating the requirement to restore damaged vehicles to their original condition could lead to an increase in the number of vehicles on the roads whose safety is difficult to guarantee. It remains to be seen whether the bill will receive final approval in the House of Representatives and what consequences this will have for drivers and other road users.
