By AP/KWMU
Jefferson City, MO – Missouri lawmakers have passed legislation that would change the way St. Louis area drivers get emissions tests.
Right now, drivers in five counties (St. Louis City, St. Louis County, St. Charles, Jefferson, Franklin) have to go to one of 12 testing stations for the tests. But the legislation that passed Thursday in Jefferson City would allow people to get those tests done at regular repair shops. In theory, it would allow people to get their safety inspection and emissions test done at the same time in the same place.
The measure would also exempt most new cars from emissions tests for four years.
The Senate gave the bill final approval Thursday with a 29-4 vote. The measure originally contained a provision that would have done away with vehicle safety inspections statewide, but that language was removed Thursday.
Missouri vehicles must pass a safety inspection every two years before they can be relicensed by the state.
The shops would have to meet certain requirements before they could perform the emissions tests, under the bill.
The legislation is SB583.