Smog & Emission Checks

Although Missouri drivers love their vehicles, the smog caused by excessive traffic can lead to a number of unpleasant health problems. In children, the elderly, or people who suffer from respiratory disorders, smog can cause watery eyes, wheezing, coughing, and difficulty breathing. Of course, smog also creates an unpleasant looking fog over the state!

Missouri Emissions Inspection Guidelines

According to Missouri law, emissions inspections are required for drivers who live in St. Louis City or one of the following counties:

• Jefferson

• Franklin

• St. Charles

• St. Louis

Emissions inspections are valid for two years. Your vehicle must be inspected during the year your registration is scheduled to expire. In addition, all vehicles must be inspected at the time of sale unless they fall under one of the following exemptions:

• New motor vehicles

• The first retail sale of a titled motor vehicle during the model year or following year (if the vehicle has an odometer reading of less than 6,000 miles)

Vehicle emissions inspections are performed by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources and The Gateway Clean Air Program. There is a $24 fee for an emissions inspection.

To learn more about Missouri's smog and emissions guidelines, please call (800) 361-4827.

Finding a Convenient Testing Location

Service stations, repair facilities, and dealerships are not allowed to perform emissions testing for the purpose of Missouri vehicle registration. Therefore, drivers must bring their vehicles to one of the approved testing locations throughout the state. To make this easy, The Gateway Clear Air Program designed testing locations so that 80 percent of all residents in the state live within five miles of an emission inspection station.

If you are temporarily outside the state or otherwise unable to bring your vehicle to an official testing location, call (888)-748-1AIR for additional assistance. Since your local driver's license and vehicle registration office does not perform emissions testing, the Missouri Department of Revenue will be unable to help with your request.

Receiving an Inspection Waiver

While the Missouri Department of Revenue strongly recommends that all drivers do their part to protect the state's air quality, you may be eligible to receive an inspection waiver if you have already spent a certain amount of money on emissions-related repairs and have been unable to get your vehicle to meet the guidelines. Depending upon where you live, labor expenses may or may not be included in the waiver amount.

You can have a new waiver issued for your vehicle each year, but you'll be required to meet the repair deductible for each test cycle. If your vehicle fails the emissions inspection, the technician will give you a booklet that explains the waiver policy in greater detail. You can also visit the Gateway Clean Air Program Web site to learn more about requesting a waiver for your vehicle.

Reporting a Gross Polluter

If a vehicle greatly exceeds allowable emissions standards for its make and model, it may be classified a "gross polluter." These vehicles represent a small portion of all vehicles on Missouri's roadways, but they are a significant factor in smog and pollution problems. If you would like to learn more about the procedure for reporting a suspected gross polluter, call (800) 361-4827.

Saving the Environment through Responsible Driving

Even if you're not legally required to submit your vehicle for an emissions inspection, you can still do your part to protect the environment. Consider the following tips:

• Carpool, use public transportation, or consolidate errands to eliminate unnecessary trips. Minimizing the number of vehicles on Missouri roads is the best way to reduce air pollution caused by harmful vehicle emissions.

• Practice regular vehicle maintenance. Did you know poorly maintained cars create 30 times more pollution than properly functioning vehicles? Just by replacing your vehicle's air filter on a regular basis, keeping your tires properly inflated, and taking your vehicle in for regular tune-ups, you can help protect the environment.

• Be a safe and courteous driver. In addition to being good basic driving habits, driving at the posted speed limit, accelerating gradually, and using cruise control for highway trips will reduce the amount of smog in the air.

• If you're planning to buy a new vehicle, consider purchasing an environmentally-friendly car or truck. For additional information, please see the EPA's Green Vehicle Guide.