SCS HB 996 and HB 1142 and HCS HB 1201 and HB 1489 -- MOTOR
VEHICLES

This bill changes the laws regarding motor vehicles.

SCHOOL BUS FRAMES

The State Highway Patrol is required to include the frames on
school buses as part of the annual school bus inspection.

LOW-SPEED VEHICLES

Operators of low-speed vehicles are allowed to use public
highways under certain conditions.  A low-speed vehicle is a
four-wheeled vehicle whose top speed is greater than 20 miles per
hour but less than 25 miles per hour and is manufactured in
compliance with the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration standards.  It cannot be operated on a street or
highway with a posted speed limit greater than 35 miles per hour.
The vehicle will be exempt from inspection and emission testing,
but must comply with the federal standards.  Every operator of a
low-speed vehicle must maintain financial responsibility and have
a driver's license.  Cities and counties may promulgate
ordinances which are more stringent than the provisions in the
bill.

DISPOSAL OF DAMAGED VEHICLES

The City of Kansas City is allowed to adopt by ordinance
regulations for the removal and sale of abandoned property by
requiring:

(1)  The Department of Revenue to search the records to determine
ownership of the abandoned property;

(2)  Notification to the owner by mail advising of the towing and
impoundment;

(3)  Vehicles older than six years and more than 50% damaged by
collision, fire, or decay that are valued at less than $200, be
held at least 10 days before being sold to a licensed salvage or
scrap business; and

(4)  All other vehicles be held at least 30 days before being
sold.

ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLES

The definition of "all-terrain vehicle" (ATV) is changed to
include ATVs weighing up to 1,000 pounds and ATVs with a seat
designed to carry more than one person.  The bill also specifies
that current provisions for ATVs which prohibit carrying a
passenger will not apply to ATVs designed to carry more than one
person.

EXEMPTIONS FROM EMISSIONS PROCESS

All vehicles manufactured 26 years or more prior to the current
model are exempted from vehicle emission testing.

BUMPER HEIGHTS

The bill adds a new maximum bumper height of 29 inches for the
front bumper and 31 inches for the rear bumper for commercial
motor vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of 9,001 pounds
through 11,500 pounds.

Missouri House of Representatives
92nd General Assembly, 2nd Regular Session
Last Updated September 23, 2004 at 11:14 am