Vehicle Maintenance for Safe Driving in Missouri

1. What is the minimum age for obtaining a Vehicle Maintenance license in Missouri?


In Missouri, the minimum age for obtaining a Vehicle Maintenance license is 18 years old.

2. What are the legal requirements for Vehicle Maintenance inspections in Missouri?


The Missouri Department of Transportation requires all commercial vehicles to pass a periodic safety inspection. These inspections generally take place every 12 months or 12,000 miles and must include the entire vehicle, including brakes, steering, suspension, frame, and exhaust systems. The vehicle must also pass a smoke opacity test as part of the safety inspection. Additionally, in Missouri, all buses and trucks over 10,000 pounds must be inspected annually at a designated Missouri State Highway Patrol location.

3. What are the laws concerning window tinting for vehicles in Missouri?


In Missouri, window tinting is generally governed by local laws. Most counties in the state have restrictions on the darkness and reflectivity of tinted car windows. The permitted percentage of light transmittance for windshields is generally much lower than that for the windows to the side and rear of the vehicle. In some counties, there are specific restrictions on the use of tinted windows for business vehicles, and tinted windows may not be used as a substitute for headlights at night. Generally, window tinting is only allowed on the top 5 inches of the windshield. Violation of these laws can result in a traffic ticket and/or a fine.

4. Are there any Vehicle Maintenance requirements for registered drivers in Missouri?


Yes, registered drivers in Missouri must adhere to the state’s Motor Vehicle Safety Responsibility Law. This law requires drivers to maintain their vehicles in safe operating condition while on the road. Drivers are also required to maintain proof of financial responsibility in the form of liability insurance or a surety bond. Additionally, certain vehicles registered in Missouri must pass a safety inspection prior to being registered.

5. What are the laws concerning the use of safety belts in vehicles in Missouri?


In Missouri, drivers and passengers (ages 8-15) must wear a safety belt in any vehicle with a gross weight of 9,000 pounds or less, regardless of seating position. Passengers 16 and over may choose to not wear a seatbelt, but the driver can be cited if any passengers 16 and over are not wearing a seatbelt. Children aged 5 and under must be secured in an appropriate child safety seat or booster seat.

6. Are there any laws requiring daytime running lights on vehicles in Missouri?


No, there are no laws requiring daytime running lights on vehicles in Missouri.

7. Are any emissions tests required for vehicles in Missouri?


Yes, Missouri requires emissions testing for vehicles in certain counties. The counties are St. Louis City, St. Louis County, Franklin, Jefferson, St. Charles, and St. Clair.

8. What are the laws concerning the use of cell phones while driving in Missouri?


In Missouri, it is illegal to text and drive, as well as for drivers under the age of 21 to use any type of wireless communication device while operating a motor vehicle. However, it is legal for all drivers to use hands-free devices such as Bluetooth while driving.

9. Are there any laws governing the maintenance of tires on vehicles in Missouri?


Yes, the Missouri Department of Transportation has laws governing the maintenance of tires on vehicles. All vehicles must have properly inflated, maintained, and safe tires in good condition to be operated on state roads. The law also requires that tires have at least 2/32 of an inch tread depth on all tires except for new or retreaded tires. Additionally, open-end trailers must have chains or approved traction devices on all wheels when operating in certain conditions.

10. Are any restrictions imposed on the carrying of hazardous materials on vehicles in Missouri?


Yes, hazardous materials may not be transported in a way that poses an unreasonable safety or health hazard. All vehicles must comply with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations related to the transportation of hazardous materials. Additionally, hazardous materials must be securely stored and transported in approved containers or tanks, must be properly labeled, and must be accompanied by necessary shipping documents.

11. Are there any restrictions concerning the use of car horns in Missouri?


Yes. In Missouri, car horns should only be used for safety purposes and should not be used for any other reason. Additionally, car horns may not be sounded for more than 30 seconds at a time in Missouri.

12. Are there any laws concerning headlights and tail lights for vehicles in Missouri?


Yes, Missouri Law requires that all motor vehicles be equipped with two headlights, two tail lights, two parking lights, two brake lights and two turn signals. Also, any vehicle that is 30 feet or longer must have front and rear clearance lights in addition to the required lighting.

13. What is the speed limit for drivers passing through school zones in Missouri?


In Missouri, the speed limit for drivers passing through school zones is 20 mph.

14. Are any restrictions imposed on the use of radar detectors on vehicles in Missouri?


Yes, Missouri has restrictions on the use of radar detectors in vehicles. The use of radar detectors is prohibited on all state-owned and leased vehicles, as well as on any vehicle being used for a commercial purpose. Additionally, any person operating a vehicle equipped with a radar detector may be subject to fines or other penalties if they are found to be in violation of traffic laws.

15. Are there any laws governing the maintenance of brakes on vehicles in Missouri?


Yes, Missouri has laws that govern the maintenance of brakes on vehicles. According to Missouri law, a motor vehicle must be equipped with brakes in good working order, capable of stopping the vehicle within the required distances. Brakes must be maintained to ensure their effectiveness and proper performance.

16. What is the legal driving age for minors in Missouri?


The legal driving age for minors in Missouri is 15 years old; however, drivers can only operate a vehicle unaccompanied until they are 16 years old.

17. Are any regulations imposed on the use of headlights when it rains or snows in Missouri?


Yes, Missouri Revised Statute 307.170 states that when inclement weather, such as fog or snow, reduces visibility to less than 500 feet, motorists must use their low beam headlights.

18. Are any safety regulations imposed on school buses operating within Missouri?


Yes, Missouri has safety regulations for school buses. The regulations are established by the Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) to ensure the safety of students and drivers on school buses. These regulations include limits on the number of passengers allowed on a school bus, requirements for seat belts, and inspection requirements. Additionally, MSHP mandates that school buses must be operated by certified bus drivers.

19. Are there any laws concerning seat belt usage for passengers under the age of 16 in Missouri?


Yes, in the state of Missouri, all passengers under the age of 16 must wear a seat belt regardless of where they are sitting in the vehicle.

20. Are there any noise pollution regulations imposed on motor vehicles operating within Missouri?


Yes, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources regulates the amount of noise allowed from motor vehicles. Some specific regulations include limiting the maximum noise level from a vehicle’s exhaust system to 95 decibels when measured from a distance of 50 feet. Additionally, all vehicles registered in Missouri are required to have an emissions inspection every two years.