Inspection Station Operational Requirements

PURPOSE: This rule lists the responsibilities of inspection station operators and inspector/mechanics. These procedures are necessary for compliance with the inspection law and to ensure proper inspection of vehicles. (1) The inspection fee, including the issuance of the safety inspection certificate, sticker, or decal, may be charged for each inspection as established by state statute. Every inspection must be a complete inspection before a vehicle may be approved or rejected. Once an inspection has begun it shall not be terminated until a complete and proper inspection has been made. Every item of vehicular equipment that is required to be inspected shall be inspected according to prescribed procedures before an approval certificate, rejection notice, or inspection sticker or decal is issued. A proper and complete inspection consists of a physical inspection of the vehicle and the immediate completion and issuance of safety inspection certificates at the time the vehicle is inspected. (2) All inspections must be conducted at the inspection station in the approved inside inspection area, except that large commercial vehicles, motor tricycles, and autocycles unable to fit within the approved inside inspection area may be inspected in an approved outside inspection area during good weather only. (3) The inspection of a vehicle shall be made only by an individual who has a valid inspector/mechanic permit, except a person without a valid permit may assist by operating the lights and signaling devices. (4) No person without a valid inspector/mechanic permit shall issue an approval certificate, a rejection notice, an inspection sticker, or decal. (5) No owner, operator, or employee of an inspection station shall furnish, loan, give, or sell an approval certificate, inspection sticker, or decal to any person except those entitled to receive it. (6) All current manuals, bulletins, or other rules issued by the superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol must be read and initialed by the station owner or operator and each inspector/mechanic, and must be available at all times for ready reference. (7) When an inspector/mechanic or a person authorized to purchase inspection stickers or decals resigns or is dismissed, HIGHWAY PATROL the station owner or operator must report these changes when contacted by a motor vehicle inspector or a member of the Missouri State Highway Patrol. (8) If the highway patrol is asked to settle a difference of opinion between the vehicle owner and an inspection station owner or an inspector/mechanic concerning the inspection standards and procedures, the decisions of the highway patrol concerning inspection standards and procedures will be final. (9) Up-to-date inspection records shall be available during normal business hours for examination by any motor vehicle inspector or member of the Missouri State Highway Patrol. (10) Inspection stickers, decals, and safety inspection certificates will be kept under lock to prevent them from being lost, damaged, or stolen. If stickers, decals, or safety inspection certificates are lost, damaged, or stolen, they shall be reported immediately to the Missouri State Highway Patrol. (11) Inspection station operators are permitted to advertise as official inspection stations. 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 Nov. 9, 1971, effective Nov. 19, 1971. Amended: Filed May 21, 1974, effective May 31, 1974. Amended: Filed Feb. 26, 1975, effective March 8, 1975. Amended: Filed Sept. 1, 1977, effective Dec. 11, 1977. Amended: Filed May 9, 1978, effective Aug. 11, 1978. Amended: Filed Sept. 12, 1984, effective Jan. 1, 1985. Amended: Filed April 2, 1992, effective Sept. 6, 1992. Emergency amendment filed Aug. 3, 1992, effective Aug. 28, 1992, expired Dec. 25, 1992. Emergency amendment filed Nov. 2, 1992, effective Dec. 26, 1992, expired April 24, 1993. Amended: Filed Aug. 3, 1992, effective Feb. 26, 1993. 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 July 12, 2024, effective Jan. 30, 2025. *Original authority: 307.360, RSMo 1967, amended 1971, 1973, 1979, 1999.