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HB 2655

Modifies provisions relating to motor vehicle registration

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Brad Pollitt

Missouri House Bill 2655 updates vehicle registrations, inspections, and dealer responsibilities, including tighter odometer data handling, new temporary permit penalties, and pre-

Referred: Emerging Issues(H)
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Bill Summary · HB 2655

Overview

Missouri House Bill 2655 (2026) aims to modify several motor vehicle registration provisions, including inspection timelines, odometer data retention, temporary permits, and dealer inspection responsibilities. The bill repeals five current sections and enacts five new sections with updated language and penalties.

Main purpose and intent

  • Update and streamline motor vehicle registration processes in Missouri.
  • Adjust inspection exemptions and timing to align with newer model years and mileage thresholds.
  • Expand or clarify the authority and responsibilities of motor vehicle dealers in inspections and titling.
  • Introduce penalties and enforcement mechanisms for temporary permit violations and noncompliant inspections.

Key provisions and changes

  • 301.020 (Odometer and registration information)

    • For certain vehicles, the director of revenue would retain odometer information from vehicle inspections for 10 years, and provide prompt access along with the vehicle identification number.
    • Applies to:
    • Motor vehicles primarily for business use (model year 2012 or newer; under 150,000 miles) for odometer retention.
    • Other motor vehicles (non-business-use, recreational, motorcycles, etc.) with the same mileage/year criteria.
    • Reconstructed motor vehicles, motor change vehicles, specially constructed, non-USA-std, prior salvage require surrender of ownership certificates and adhere to enhanced documentation and examination protocols.
    • Insurance companies must notify owners and lienholders about surrender/requirements when paying salvage or reconstruction claims.

  • 301.140 (Temporary license plates and permits)

    • Establishes authority for temporary permits and transfer rules related to ownership changes, including penalties for temporary permit violations.
    • Temporary permits may be issued by the department, dealers, or authorized agents, with explicit terms on duration, display, and non-transferability.
    • If a temporary permit is expired by 70+ days or altered, a $250 fine applies; proper registration within 30 days can result in prosecutor discretion (nolle prosequi) and waives court costs; repeated violations can lead to impoundment until registration.

  • 301.190 (Certificate of ownership and inspections)

    • Clarifies application timelines for ownership certificates (within 30 days after acquisition unless acquired via dealer, etc.).
    • Allows dealer inspections and outlines designation requirements on certificates for reconstructed, motor change, specially constructed, non-USA-std, or prior salvage vehicles.
    • Sets fees for original certificates and delinquency penalties if not applied for timely, with potential cancellations of registrations for noncompliance.
    • Details on required inspections for certain out-of-state or salvage-related vehicles, and the roles of the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

  • 307.350 (Biennial vehicle inspections)

    • Reaffirms biennial inspections for most motor vehicles, with exceptions for certain categories (interstate commerce, historic, certain heavy vehicles, etc.).
    • Specifies inspection timing relative to registration and transfer, and allows even/odd-year scheduling based on model year.
    • Outlines display of inspection stickers and related enforcement.

  • 307.380 (Pre-sale inspections for used vehicles)

    • Requires certain inspections before sale, at the seller’s expense, within 60 days prior to sale (with exceptions for out-of-state buyers and vehicles with very low mileage in certain dealer/private sale scenarios).
    • Seller must provide the certificate to the buyer at sale; buyer must present it during registration.
    • Allows certain exemptions for junk/salvage/rebuilding sales and for private sales or dealers with specific volume thresholds.

Who/what would be affected

  • Vehicle owners and lessees in Missouri, especially those purchasing, transferring, or insuring vehicles with reconstruction, cambio-vehicle, or non-USA-std classifications.
  • Motor vehicle dealers (licensed new/used dealers) involved in inspections, temporary permits, and titling.
  • Insurance companies handling salvage or reconstruction claims.
  • Law enforcement and the Missouri State Highway Patrol involved in vehicle inspections and verification.

Timelines and enforcement

  • Effective dates tied to when temporary permits and related processes are implemented, with some provisions referencing prior statutory dates (e.g., July 1, 2013 benchmarks in the existing text).
  • Penalties include fines for temporary permit violations, delinquency penalties for late certificates, and possible registration cancellations for noncompliance.
  • Rules and regulations would be promulgated by the Department of Revenue, with adherence to state rulemaking procedures.

Notes

  • The bill repeals and replaces specific sections (301.020, 301.140, 301.190, 307.350, 307.380) with updated language.
  • The sponsor is Representative Pollitt, with a co-sponsor noted.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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