New Motor Vehicle Inspection Law took effect Jan. 1; Vehicles 5 years old or less exempt from inspections

A state law that went into effect January 1 exempts some Missourians from having to get safety inspections for newer vehicles.
Beginning January 1, motor vehicles are exempt from the safety inspection requirement for the first five years following the model year of manufacture. For example, a car made in 2006 will be exempt from the safety inspection through 2011.
Currently, the Missouri Department of Revenue requires proof of a safety inspection when vehicle registrations (license plates) are renewed. Citizens presently have the option of renewing their license plates for one-year or two-year periods, so the need to obtain safety inspections for owners of newer vehicles will be minimized. Under current law, brand new vehicles are exempt from the inspection for the model year of the car and the immediate year thereafter. An estimated 650,000 vehicles will be exempt from having to get safety inspections in 2010 because of the enactment of the new law.
“The Department of Revenue wants to make people aware of the new law because fewer citizens will need to get their vehicles inspected,” said Alana M. Barragán-Scott, director of the Department. “This will also mean that many customers will need one less document when they renew their license plates. However, the Department urges citizens to monitor the condition of their vehicles and get them repaired if they believe there are mechanical problems with their vehicles.”
An inspection must be conducted at an authorized inspection station. The cost of an inspection is up to $12 for cars and trucks and up to $10 for motorcycles, but the exact fee is decided by the management at each inspection center. The inspection must be made within 60 days of the application of a title or renewal of license plates.
If a motor vehicle is sold.......
Read the complete story in the January 7th edition.