Why is it hard to get a Missouri Safety & Emissions Inspection


Why is it so difficult to get an inspection?

THE PROBLEM

        On January 1, 2000, Missouri eliminated the Bar 90 emissions test required for cars and light trucks registered in St. Louis, St. Louis County, St. Charles County, Jefferson County and Franklin County. The Bar 90 tailpipe test that was performed at independent repair facilities was replaced by the IM240 test that involved centralized testing of vehicles on dynamometers, or rollers. The Bar 90 test was eliminated because the test was proven to be ineffective, and fraudulent testing was rampant. When this change took place, the state mandated fee for an emissions inspection was raised from $10.50 to $24, and the fee for a Missouri safety inspection was raised from $7 to $12.

        On October 1, 2007, IM240 inspections were eliminated and replaced with the current emissions test, the OBDII. This test, known locally as the Gateway Vehicle Inspection Program (GVIP), involves accessing the affected vehicles’ on board computers and making sure that pollution control devices are functioning properly. When the GVIP was implemented, independent shops were again allowed to perform emissions inspections, and the fees remained capped at $24 for an emissions inspection and $12 for a safety inspection.  In a nod to consumers, the requirement that inspection stations charge the full fee was eliminated; now, only the maximum fee is regulated.

        The automotive repair industry has dealt with a technician shortage for decades. Relatively low wages, requirements for investment in tools and training, and lack of clear career paths are the main culprits. As expected, the shortage of technicians has resulted in a surge in wages which, in turn, has caused shop labor rates to increase. It is impossible to attract and retain top talent and to invest in training and equipment required to maintain and repair increasingly complex vehicles without raising prices.

        So, the problem is obvious: inspection fees are capped at Y2k levels, and the cost of delivering services continues to rise. The result is longer waiting times and increased customer frustration. Most shops are unwilling to provide services at a loss to people who are not their customers.

THE SOLUTION

        Both Missouri Safety Inspections and Missouri Emissions Inspections are valid for 60 days. Also, license plates may be renewed up to six months prior to expiration. Motorists who schedule their inspections to coincide with scheduled maintenance will have a far easier time scheduling their inspections and can eliminate an additional appointment.

        If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to email them to santauto@gmail.com, give us a call at 314-849-2900, or text them to 844-439-6630.

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