Licensing of Inspector/Mechanics

PURPOSE: This rule lists minimum requirements and licensing procedures for inspector/mechanics. These requirements and procedures are necessary to insure that inspections are performed by persons with sufficient training, experience, and knowledge to perform the inspections uniformly and in accordance with the inspection rules. (1) Every person requesting appointment as an inspector/ mechanic shall submit a completed inspector/mechanic application. (2) An inspector/mechanic must have at least one (1) year of practical experience as an automotive mechanic or must have completed a course of vocational instruction in automotive mechanics from a generally recognized educational institution, either public or private, or must have successfully completed the Motor Vehicle Inspection Field Training Program of the Missouri State Highway Patrol. All inspector/mechanics must be at least seventeen (17) years of age and able to read the written instructions. (3) An inspector/mechanic must be thoroughly familiar with the contents of the inspection manual and must have passed a written test indicating knowledge of its contents. An inspector/ mechanic will also be required to demonstrate practical knowledge by inspecting a vehicle. A minimum grade of eighty (80) is required to pass each written examination, practical examination, or reexamination. (4) An inspector/mechanic permit will be issued without charge. Permits are valid for a period of three (3) years from the date of issuance or until suspended or revoked by the superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol. An inspector/ mechanic whose permit has been suspended or revoked shall be required to pass a reexamination before the permit will be reinstated. (5) An inspector/mechanic may be reexamined at any time, and if s/he fails the reexamination or refuses to be reexamined, the permit issued to him/her shall be suspended. If an inspector/ mechanic fails a reexamination, s/he cannot again be tested until a period of thirty (30) days has elapsed. (6) A permit may be renewed before the expiration date or sixty (60) days after expiration without a reexamination. An inspector/mechanic does not have authority to conduct any inspections during the sixty- (60-) day grace period unless the permit has been properly renewed. (7) Two (2) types of inspector/mechanic permits are available— (A) A permit that restricts the inspector/mechanic to motorcycle, motor tricycle, and autocycle inspections only; and (B) A permit that authorizes the inspector/mechanic to safety inspect motor vehicles. AUTHORITY: section 307.360, RSMo 2016.* Original rule filed Nov. 4, 1968, effective Nov. 14, 1968. Amended: Filed March 9, 1970, effective March 19, 1970. Amended: Filed Aug. 13, 1970, effective Aug. 23, 1970. Amended: Filed Nov. 9, 1971, effective Nov. 19, 1971. Amended: Filed Aug. 17, 1972, effective Aug. 27, 1972. Amended: Filed May 21, 1974, effective May 31, 1974. Amended: Filed Dec. 1, 1975, effective Dec. 11, 1975. Amended: Filed Sept. 1, 1977, effective Dec. 11, 1977. Amended: Filed Jan. 16, 1978, effective April 13, 1978. Amended: Filed April 2, 1992, effective Sept. 6, 1992. Amended: Filed June 2, 1993, effective Nov. 8, 1993. Emergency rescission and rule filed March 12, 1997, effective April 15, 1997, expired Sept. 30, 1997. Rescinded and readopted: Filed March 12, 1997, effective Sept. 30, 1997. Amended: Filed Feb. 1, 2000, effective July 30, 2000. Amended: Filed Oct. 30, 2020, effective June 30, 2021. Amended: Filed March 16, 2022, effective Oct. 30, 2022. *Original authority: 307.360, RSMo 1967, amended 1971, 1973, 1979, 1999.