by Potential Change to Safety Inspection Rules in Missouri
Drivers in the state of Missouri may face a significant change in the vehicle registration procedure, although the rules have not yet been changed. Simultaneously, false information is spreading online claiming that safety inspections have already been eliminated. Authorities deny these rumors and emphasize that all requirements remain in force for now.
Legislative Bill and Spread of Misinformation
A new bill introduced in the Missouri House of Representatives proposes eliminating mandatory safety inspections for most passenger cars across the state. Proponents of the initiative believe the system is outdated, expensive, and inconvenient. However, the Missouri Department of Revenue states that misinformation is spreading rapidly online claiming inspections have already been canceled.
In a January 6 statement, the department refuted false reports circulating online that safety inspections are no longer required or that registration options have changed. The department noted that these claims are likely “generated by artificial intelligence sources.”
Details of the Legislative Initiative
Bill HB 1695 was introduced by State Representative Mazzie Christensen. If passed, the safety inspection requirement would be eliminated for nearly all passenger cars. Requirements would remain only for commercial vehicles and vehicles with “salvage” titles. Currently, the bill has been read twice but has not yet been assigned to a committee.
Currently, the following rules are in effect in Missouri: a safety inspection is required every two years for vehicles over 10 years old with over 150,000 miles, as well as upon change of ownership and for certain special categories of vehicles. The inspection fee is $12. From this amount, shops transfer $1.50 to the state for the windshield sticker.
Economic Arguments and Safety Concerns
This fee structure is one of the main targets of the bill. Repair shop owners claim that inspections ultimately result in losses for them. Christensen stated that businesses net only about $10 per inspection while covering labor costs of $60–75. Because of this, some rural counties have no inspection stations at all.
Beyond the potential change, some believe the bill could help combat crime. St. Louis has a significant problem with expired license plates and vehicles without plates. The logic is that eliminating the inspection requirement could free up funds for those who cannot afford proper registration. However, critics are not convinced.
A 2022 Carnegie Mellon University study found that states with safety inspections have approximately 5.5 percent fewer traffic fatalities than states without them.
If HB 1695 is advanced and passed, it would only take effect on January 1, 2027. A public hearing on this proposal is scheduled for Thursday. For now, Missouri drivers should continue to adhere to current vehicle safety inspection requirements, despite conflicting information on social media. This situation vividly illustrates how quickly unverified news, especially that which may originate from artificial intelligence, can cause confusion among citizens regarding important legislative processes. The debates surrounding the bill touch on a complex balance between administrative burden, economic feasibility for businesses and drivers, and the top priority—road safety.
