Missouri House Votes to End Most Vehicle Inspections

Proposed legislation would eliminate mandatory inspections for most vehicles in the state.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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The Missouri House of Representatives has passed a bill that would end most vehicle inspections in the state. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Anne Kelley, R-Lamar, would only require inspections for salvaged vehicles after they're rebuilt and vehicles after a traffic crash as required by law enforcement. Kelley argued that 38 states have eliminated vehicle inspections and that modern vehicles have advanced safety features that make inspections unnecessary.

Why it matters

This legislation is part of a broader debate over the value and necessity of mandatory vehicle inspections. Proponents argue they improve road safety, while opponents say the costs outweigh the benefits. The bill's passage in the House sets up a showdown in the state Senate as Missouri considers joining the growing number of states that have eliminated most vehicle inspection requirements.

The details

The current Missouri law requires vehicles at least 10 years old or with more than 150,000 miles to be inspected every two years, with a typical inspection costing $12. The new bill, which passed the House 104-43, would eliminate those requirements except for salvaged vehicles and those involved in crashes. Supporters say research shows inspections don't significantly improve safety, while opponents argue they are necessary to protect drivers and others on the road.

  • The Missouri House of Representatives passed the bill on February 17, 2026.

The players

Rep. Anne Kelley

A Republican state representative from Lamar, Missouri who sponsored the bill to end most vehicle inspections in the state.

Rep. Michael Burton

A Democratic state representative from Lakeshire, Missouri who spoke against the bill, arguing it would put families and children at greater risk on the roads.

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What they’re saying

“Research studies have shown that mandatory vehicle inspections do not significantly reduce accidents or improve road safety. This has led many states to reconsider the value of these regulations.”

— Rep. Anne Kelley (ozarkradionews.com)

“To do away with these vehicle inspections, whether it be street rods, custom cars, and all the other things I listed…would make our children, our families, our neighbors, our MODOT workers, and all Missourians at more risk.”

— Rep. Michael Burton (ozarkradionews.com)

What’s next

The bill now heads to the Missouri Senate, where it will face further debate and a vote before potentially becoming law.

The takeaway

This legislation reflects an ongoing debate over the value of mandatory vehicle inspections, with supporters arguing they improve safety and opponents saying the costs outweigh the benefits. Missouri's move to join the growing number of states eliminating most inspection requirements could have implications for road safety and vehicle maintenance across the state.