Transition Update
Emissions Testing Program Phase In
The state of Missouri desires a high-quality and efficient emissions testing program and therefore decided to phased-in the new emissions testing requirements to ensure a more seamless transition for both shop owners and St. Louis area motorists. The month of September was used to continue necessary training and give shops an opportunity to become more familiar with their
new testing equipment. Shops that signed up by June 29, completed training and the licensing process began emissions testing on Oct. 1.
Why was the emissions testing program phased-in?
Allowing shops more time to familiarize their inspectors with the new equipment helped ensure motorists they were provided with an emissions testing program that is both reliable and efficient.
What did this mean for St. Louis area shops?
SysTech International contacted each shop by phone to set up their inspector/mechanic training. SysTech will continue their accelerated timeline for equipment installation, so all shops should continue prepping their bays with the necessary Internet connections and cables so that installation can be performed as quickly as possible.
It is important all shops complete the internet connections before SysTech delivers equipment to the shops. More
The state of Missouri recognizes your cooperation and commitment to protecting air quality in our state while providing convenient emissions testing options for St. Louis area motorists.
The Department of Natural Resources mailed a letter on Aug. 15 to participating shops that signed up by June 29 to inform them of the revised testing date. Shops that signed up after June 29 also received a letter to inform them of the revised testing date. Thank you for your patience as we move through this transition.
What does this mean for St. Louis area motorists?
The state encouraged motorists with odd model year plates that expired in September to test their vehicle early to ease the transition. September registrants were able to have their vehicle tested at one of the Gateway Clean Air Program testing locations by Sept. 1. If they missed the cutoff, they were granted an emissions testing extension until Dec. 1. Vehicle owners were only required to submit a passing safety inspection to renew their plates in September. The department sent a notice to these registrants to remind them to fulfill their emissions testing requirements.
September registrants also received a postcard to inform them of their phase-in requirements. 
October registrants were encouraged to begin emissions testing on Oct. 1. However, because the state is still in the process of licensing stations, these registrants were also given some flexibility as they fulfill their emissions testing requirements. Odd model year vehicles with October plates that failed to complete their emissions testing requirements by Oct. 31 will have until Jan. 1 to comply. Motor vehicle license offices will allow renewals with proof of a passing safety inspection. Motorists will not have to return to a license office once they complete their emissions test. The electronic database will automatically show testing compliance once a passing emissions test has been completed.
What does this mean for St. Louis area car dealerships?
The sale of used vehicles during the month of September 2007 were impacted by the phase-in of the Gateway Vehicle Inspection Program. Car dealerships selling used 1996 and newer model year vehicles subject to the OBD emissions test were not be able to have their vehicles OBD tested until Oct. 1. To comply with the state law that governs the emissions inspection requirements of vehicles sold by dealers, dealers were given two options which included:
- Emissions test the vehicle at a centralized test station on or before Sept. 1. These inspections were valid for 120 days from the date of inspection.
- Clearly disclose in writing on the sales contract and bill of sale that: "This vehicle is being sold without a passing emissions test, and the vehicle won't be able to be emissions tested until Oct. 1, 2007, which could be more than 10 days after the date of sale or with more than 1,000 additional miles since the time of sale. If the vehicle fails its emissions test more than 10 days after the September date of sale or with more than 1,000 additional miles since the time of sale, the dealership is no longer required by state law to repair the vehicle's emissions-related problem within five working days or enter into any other mutually acceptable agreement."
Dealers were encouraged to test the used vehicles they intended to sell in September using their own OBD scan tools prior to vehicle sale, so that they are aware of any emissions-related problems that would cause a vehicle to fail the OBD test beginning Oct. 1. Dealers could voluntarily choose to repair any OBD-related problems prior to selling the vehicle in September so that, if the purchaser returns the vehicle to the dealer for an OBD test beginning Oct. 1, the dealer will know that vehicle can pass its OBD test.
For a link to the state law that governs the emissions inspection requirements of vehicles sold by dealers, please visit: 643.315, Missouri Revised Statutes, paragraph 4.
