From Missouri Net News by | Feb 17, 2026
Current state law mandates that cars, trucks, SUVs, and other Missouri vehicles that are at least ten years old or have more than 150,000 miles be inspected every two years, with the typical vehicle inspection costing $12. The Missouri House of Representatives has passed a bill that would end most vehicle inspections.
House Committee Substitute for HB’s 1838, 1692, 1695, 1983, 2036, 2662, and 2743 would only have exceptions for salvaged vehicles after they’re rebuilt and vehicles after a traffic crash as required by a law enforcement officer.
The bill’s sponsor, Rep. Anne Kelley, R-Lamar, said 38 states have eliminated vehicle inspections, and doing so will ease Missourians’ financial burden.
“Research studies have shown that mandatory vehicle inspections do not significantly reduce accidents or improve road safety. This has led many states to reconsider the value of these regulations,” Kelley said before the vote. “In light of this evidence, it becomes clear that the burden placed on our constituents through these inspections may outweigh their benefits.”
Kelley also pointed out that many modern vehicles have advanced technology that she says makes vehicle inspections unnecessary.
“Today’s automobiles are equipped with sophisticated safety features and diagnostic systems that can alert drivers for potential safety issues,” she said.
State Rep. Michael Burton, D-Lakeshire, spoke against the bill.
“To do away with these vehicle inspections, whether it be street rods, custom cars, and all the other things I listed…would make our children, our families, our neighbors, our MODOT workers, and all Missourians at more risk,” he said. “To my colleagues on the other side of the aisle, if you are on the fence about this, I encourage you to think about your family and the children of Missouri.”
The measure passed 104-43 along a mostly party-line vote. It is now in the hands of the Missouri Senate.
