Missouri Labor Day Car Deals: What's The Law?

Missouri is one of 12 states that ban car sales on Sundays. This law was made in the 1800s to observe the Sabbath. While there is no law against visiting a repair shop on Sundays, service centers attached to dealerships are usually closed. However, some remain open in case of emergencies.

Missouri law bans car sales on Sundays

Missouri is one of 12 states that bans car sales on Sundays. This law, which dates back to the 1800s, was originally intended to grant workers a day of rest and the ability to attend worship services. While some people argue that this law inconveniences car buyers, others believe that it protects employees from having to work seven days a week and that it does not necessarily result in a loss of sales.

The law states that it is illegal to sell vehicles in Missouri on Sundays. However, this does not prevent people from visiting dealerships to look at cars and plan their purchase. In fact, some dealerships remain open on Sundays for this very reason, allowing potential buyers to test-drive cars and make informed decisions without the pressure of having to purchase immediately.

The support for the ban comes from car dealers themselves, particularly those located away from state borders. Dealers in the Kansas City area, however, are advocating for the repeal of this law as they are losing business to Kansas dealers. It is worth noting that Illinois' dealers are also closed on Sundays, which is why dealers in the St. Louis metro area are less concerned about the ban.

While some argue that commission-based car salesmen would benefit from selling cars on Sundays, others counter that the demand for cars remains the same regardless of the day of the week. Additionally, with banks and credit unions typically closed on Sundays, there may not be enough business to justify extending dealership hours.

Despite the varying opinions on this law, it remains in effect in Missouri, leaving car buyers with the rest of the week to purchase their desired vehicles.

Dealers must provide a safety inspection certificate

Missouri law requires all motor vehicles to pass a vehicle safety inspection performed by an authorized Missouri inspection station. A Certificate of Inspection and Approval is issued by the inspection station and must be presented to a license office when the motor vehicle is registered. This certificate is valid for 60 days from the date of inspection. However, if a motor vehicle is purchased from a Missouri dealer, the certificate is valid for 90 days, provided the safety inspection was completed.

The safety inspection process involves checking various aspects of the vehicle to ensure it meets the required standards. This includes examining the vehicle's lights, brakes, steering, suspension, tires, and other critical components. By conducting these inspections, dealers can identify any potential issues or defects that may compromise the vehicle's safety.

To become an authorized safety inspection station, businesses must apply through the nearest Missouri State Highway Patrol troop headquarters. This authorization ensures that the inspection stations have the necessary qualifications and expertise to perform thorough and accurate safety inspections. The annual fee for a safety inspection permit is $10.00, which is payable upon approval.

It is important to note that Missouri has specific laws regarding car sales on Sundays. Car dealerships in Missouri are prohibited from conducting sales on Sundays due to an archaic religious law observing the Sabbath. This restriction has been a topic of discussion and debate among residents, with some considering it an inconvenience and a hindrance to car shopping during the week and on weekends.

An emissions inspection is required for certain areas

Both types of inspections are essential to keeping your vehicle registered. If you choose to forego your safety inspection, you could face several penalties, including a fine or having your license plate confiscated. If your vehicle fails the inspection, you will need to have the necessary repairs made and then bring your car back for a re-inspection.

Emissions inspections are required for vehicles in St. Louis City, Jefferson, St. Charles, and St. Louis County. Gas-powered vehicles from 1996 onwards and diesel-powered vehicles from 1997 onwards must have an emissions test. Switched-engine vehicles must also have an emissions test, even if the original manufacturer's certified engine configuration has been replaced with another engine. The vehicle's readiness monitors must be set for the test.

Hybrid electric vehicles with gasoline or diesel engines also require an emissions test if they are going to be licensed by the Department of Revenue Motor Vehicle Bureau. The weight rating is usually found on a label on the inside of the driver's door. Government fleets and military personnel vehicles in the St. Louis area must also undergo an emissions test.

Sellers must report the sale within 30 days

In the state of Missouri, there are specific legal requirements that must be met when selling a vehicle. One crucial requirement is that sellers must report the sale within 30 days of completing the transaction. This rule applies to the sale of motor vehicles, trailers, and all-terrain vehicles, and it took effect on January 1, 2006.

The process of reporting the sale of a vehicle in Missouri involves submitting the necessary documentation to the Missouri Department of Revenue. Sellers who are not licensed Missouri dealers have two options for reporting the sale. They can choose to submit either a completed Notice of Sale (Form 5049) or a Bill of Sale (Form 1957). These forms are essential for complying with the 30-day reporting requirement.

It is important to note that the seller's responsibilities extend beyond just reporting the sale. When selling a vehicle in Missouri, the seller must also provide the buyer with specific documentation and information. This includes a properly assigned Certificate of Title, which is a crucial document in the vehicle transfer process. If the vehicle is intended as a gift, the word "GIFT" should be written in the sale price area of the certificate, instead of a sale price.

In addition to the Certificate of Title, the seller is responsible for furnishing the buyer with a safety inspection certificate. This certificate should be less than 60 days old to ensure that the vehicle's safety standards are up to date at the time of the sale. If the vehicle is being sold to a buyer residing in specific counties, such as St. Louis City, Jefferson, St. Charles, or St. Louis, an emissions inspection not more than 60 days old is also required.

Furthermore, there are specific requirements regarding the signatures on the title. Both the seller and the purchaser must print their names and sign the back of the title in the assignment area. Notably, these signatures do not need to be notarized, simplifying the process for both parties involved in the transaction. By adhering to these requirements, sellers in Missouri can ensure they are complying with the law when reporting the sale of a vehicle within the specified 30-day timeframe.

Missouri's lemon law for used cars

Missouri is one of 12 states that ban car sales on Sundays. This is due to an archaic religious law that bans car dealers from being open on Sundays to observe the Sabbath. However, there is no Missouri law that stops you from visiting a repair shop on Sundays.

While Missouri's lemon law, also known as the Missouri New Vehicles Warranty Law, does not cover used cars, the federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act does. This federal "lemon law" requires manufacturers and dealers to comply with the terms of any warranties or service contracts that come with a used car. If they fail to do so, they must compensate the owner for any problems they experience.

The Missouri lemon law holds manufacturers responsible for defective vehicles. If a consumer reports a defect within a year of purchasing the vehicle and the dealer fails to repair it after a "reasonable number of attempts", then the consumer is entitled to a refund or a replacement vehicle. The lemon law covers any nonconformity, defined as any problem or condition that impairs the use, market value, or safety of the new motor vehicle to the consumer.

Consumers must report problems or defects in writing to the manufacturer to use Missouri's lemon law provisions. Once the manufacturer receives this written notice, they will direct the consumer to a repair facility. After the car is brought in, the facility has ten days to repair the defect. If the defect is still present after this attempt, the consumer has a lemon. At this point, the consumer or their attorney must present their case to an arbitration board.

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