The Need for Motor Vehicle Inspection
There are three factors involved which contribute to the overall traffic crash experience. They are the driver, the roadway, and the vehicle. All of us have seen vehicles that prove many owners fail to properly maintain their vehicles. The function of the Missouri State Highway Patrol's Motor Vehicle Inspection Program is to identify defective vehicles, requiring them to either be repaired or be removed from Missouri highways.
The only way to be reasonably certain vehicles are maintained mechanically safe is through periodic motor vehicle inspection. Since the program began in 1969, over one million defects have been identified annually.
Items That Will Be Inspected
• Brake System
• Steering Mechanism
• Headlights
• Taillights, Brake Lights, and Turn Signals
• Horn
• Windshield Wipers
• All Window Glass
• Front Seat Belts
• Rearview Mirrors
• Tires and Wheels
• Fuel System
• Bumpers
• Exhaust System
• Air Pollution Control Devices
Frequently Asked Questions
When is a motor vehicle safety inspection required?
Inspection requirements related to motor vehicle registration may be viewed on the Missouri Department of Revenue website.
Who performs vehicle inspections?
Individuals 17 years of age or older, with at least one year of practical experience as an automotive mechanic or having successfully completed a course of vocational instruction in automotive mechanics, are eligible to apply for inspector/mechanic licensure.
Can I drive my unlicensed vehicle to the inspection station?
Yes, but only for the purpose of obtaining an inspection and over the most direct route between the owner's residence and an inspection station.
What is the wait time at an inspection station?
A vehicle shall be inspected during normal business hours within two hours after being presented unless other vehicles are being inspected.
If my vehicle needs to be reinspected, is there an additional fee?
If a person returns the vehicle to the original inspection station within 20 days, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and state holidays, the rejected items will be reinspected at no additional cost.
How do I file a complaint against an inspection station?
Complaints regarding motor vehicle safety inspection stations should be directed to the Motor Vehicle Inspection office at the nearest Missouri State Highway Patrol troop headquarters.
Motor Vehicle Inspection Offices
Troop A - Lee's Summit: (816) 622-0717
Troop B - Macon: (660) 385-6674
Troop C - St. Louis: (314) 416-2180
Troop C - Park Hills: (573) 431-0166
Troop D - Springfield: (417) 895-6767
Troop D - Carthage: (417) 359-1505
Troop E - Poplar Bluff: (573) 840-9500
Troop E - Sikeston: (573) 472-5203
Troop F - Jefferson City: (573) 526-6262
Troop G - Willow Springs: (417) 469-3121
Troop H - St. Joseph: (816) 387-2345
Troop I - Rolla: (573) 368-2221
General HQ - Administrative Office: (573) 526-6132
Have a Question or a Problem?
If you should have any questions or problems concerning Missouri's Motor Vehicle Inspection Program, please call the troop headquarters or satellite in your area or the Driver and Vehicle Safety Division in Jefferson City, MO.
Missouri State Highway Patrol, 1510 East Elm Street, Jefferson City, MO 65101
Phone: (573) 751-3313 | Website: www.statepatrol.dps.mo.gov