What You Need to Know About Emissions Testing in Missouri
Is your car subject to Missouri emissions testing requirements? It’s time to find out (and save the planet).
Written by Bonnie Stinson
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
Missouri emissions testing is required for some vehicles and some counties. If these regulations apply to you, you’ll need to get your vehicle tested once every two years.
Adding one more appointment to your calendar is probably not very high on your list of things you enjoy doing. But emissions testing is an unavoidable legal requirement for some vehicles in Missouri. It’s really easy to find a testing location—and emissions testing helps keep the air cleaner for everyone.
If you want to know what to expect from Missouri emissions testing,
Jerry
the car insurance
expert is here to help! This article explains everything you need to know about Missouri emissions testing, from locations and fees to exemptions and explanations of different test types. We've even got a tip to find cheap car insurance in Missouri
! Let's dive in.Don't get ripped off!
Don't get ripped off!
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Missouri emissions testing regulations
In Missouri, drivers in several counties are required to pass emissions testing once every two years. These programs help reduce the amount of air pollution by ensuring that motor vehicles work as cleanly and efficiently as possible.
Not every car in Missouri is required to participate in emissions testing. So who is exempt? Let’s check out some regulations below to find out.
Which counties in Missouri require emissions testing?
Location is an important factor in determining whether you must get your car emissions tested. The
Missouri emissions testing program
applies to vehicles registered in these four places:- St. Louis City
- St. Louis County
- Franklin County
- Jefferson County
- St. Charles County
Be aware that you might be subject to these regulations if you visit these areas regularly, say for school or work.
Which cars need emissions testing in Missouri?
If you live in an area that requires emissions testing, the next important factor to consider is the type of vehicle and the model year of the vehicle.
In Missouri, these vehicles need emissions testing:
- Gasoline vehicles made in the 1996 model year or later
- Diesel vehicles made in the 1997 model year or later that weigh less than 8,500
The rule is that the above vehicles must be emissions tested every two years unless the vehicle is in its first five model years (or is subject to some other exemption rule).
The fee for an emissions test in Missouri is $24.
Exemptions from Missouri emissions testing
Let’s go over a few situations in which a vehicle is exempt from emissions testing and smog checks. Firstly, you’re exempt if you do not live in one of the areas listed above.
Here is a list of vehicle types that are not required to participate in the Missouri emissions testing program:
- Low-speed gasoline vehicles
- Trailers
- Vehicles and RVs that weigh more than 8,500 pounds
- Motorcycles, dirt bikes, and motor tricycles
- “Title Only” vehicles
- Vehicles registered with the Missouri DOT for use in interstate commerce
- Vehicles for sale as junk, salvage, or for rebuilding
- Vehicles with historic plates, school bus, shuttle bus, or street rod plates
- Solar power, electric, hydrogen, or dual-fueled vehicles that use fuels other than gasoline, diesel, or E10 and E85
- Vehicles for sale at public auction and bought and sold between dealers
- Vehicles made in the 1995 model year and older (1996 and older for diesel vehicles)
- New vehicles sold during the vehicle’s model year or the following year that have no more than 6,000 miles on the odometer when sold
- Vehicles made in even model years with registrations that expire in odd calendar years
- Vehicles made in odd model years with registrations that expire in even calendar years
In addition, there are a few transaction scenarios that exempt you from emissions testing:
- Registration transfers that do not involve a change of ownership for even model year vehicles in odd calendar years, or odd model year vehicles in even calendar years
- Out-of-state vehicle registrations and registration renewals or registering during the time of their renewal/registration. To qualify, a vehicle must have been out of state for the previous 60 days before the vehicle’s registration/renewal deadline.
- License plate renewals for plates transferred from one vehicle during the past six months
How does Missouri emissions testing work?
Ready to get your vehicle tested? Here’s what you can expect from the process.
- Bring your car in for the inspection. The technician will perform one of several tests, depending on the age and fuel type of your vehicle.
- Pay the fee. In Missouri, the smog check fee is $24. The safety check fee is $12. You will receive your results shortly after the test.
Types of emissions tests
The very first step in every emissions test is a basic safety check. This includes a visual check of your
car dashboard lights
and a test of the safety and security of the gas cap. Next, the technician will perform the actual emissions test. There are three basic types of tests: on-board diagnostics (OBD) inspections, I/M 240 dynamometer inspections, and the two-speed idle test.
In an OBD inspection, the technician will use an OBD-II scanner tool to connect with your vehicle’s computer. They will check for any
car OBD codes
related to emissions problems.In an I/M 240 dynamometer inspection, aka “treadmill test,” your vehicle will be put on a large treadmill to simulate road conditions. Then, the technician will take measurements.
In a two-speed idle test, the technician will put a probe into the exhaust pipe and use a tachometer to measure the engine’s speed. Then, they’ll let the engine idle twice and rev it to take measurements.
What happens if you fail emissions testing in Missouri?
Don’t worry, failing an emissions test is not like failing a high school exam. You’ll get all the answers right after the test!
If you fail a Missouri smog test, here’s what the vehicle owner will receive:
- VIR (Vehicle Inspection Report) explaining why the vehicle failed the test
- A repair information sheet to accompany the repair location performance report
- A list of the 10 closest Missouri emissions testing locations
With these documents, you can figure out how much the repairs may cost and where to get the repairs performed by a certified technician.
The first retest done within 20 business days of the first failed smog test is free.
Let’s consider a worst-case scenario. Your vehicle fails the test and the report indicates a very expensive problem. It’s so expensive that you cannot afford the repairs.
For low-income drivers with very expensive emissions problems, there is a
Missouri Cost-Based Waiver
program to help defray repair costs. You can qualify for this waiver in several ways. In most cases, the required repairs must cost at least $400 and you must be dependent on the government for financial assistance. MORE: Missouri Electric Vehicle Incentives
How to save on car insurance in Missouri
Stressful situations can end up costing you a lot of money. Car ownership is stressful for a lot of people! From emissions testing to
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FAQs
Do you need an emissions test every year in Missouri?
Probably not. Required vehicles must undergo emissions testing once every two years in Missouri.
How do I avoid emissions testing in Missouri?
If your vehicle is required to undergo emissions testing—or if you live in a county that requires it—there is no legal way to avoid emissions testing in Missouri. But some vehicles are exempt. If you drive an electric vehicle, collector vehicle, or a gas vehicle from the model year 1995 or prior, then congrats! You’re exempt.
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