Missouri Electric Laws and Incentives
State Laws and Regulations
Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Acquisition and Alternative Fuel Use Requirements
Effective January 1, 2008, at least 70% of new vehicles purchased for the state vehicle fleet must be flexible fuel vehicles that can operate on fuel blends of 85% ethanol (E85). Excess acquisitions of AFVs may be credited towards future biennial goals. If a state agency fails to meet a biennial acquisition goal, purchases of any non-AFVs are not permitted until the goals are met or an exemption or goal reduction has been granted. In addition, 30% of the fuel purchased annually for use in state fleet vehicles must be alternative fuels. (Reference Senate Bill 54, 2007 and Missouri Revised Statutes 414.400 and 414.410)
Low-Speed Vehicle Access to Roadways
A low-speed vehicle is defined as a four-wheeled vehicle with a maximum speed of 25 miles per hour (mph) and manufactured in compliance with National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standards. A low-speed vehicle may not be operated on a street or highway with a posted speed limit over 35 mph and is exempt from inspection and emission testing as long as it complies with federal standards. (Reference Missouri Revised Statutes 304.029)
Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Emission Inspection Exemption
Vehicles that are powered exclusively by electric or hydrogen power, or by fuels other than gasoline which are exempt from motor vehicle emissions inspection under federal regulation, are exempt from state emissions inspection requirements (Reference Missouri Revised Statutes 643.315)
Alternative Fuel Tax
The $0.17 per gallon motor fuel tax does not apply to passenger motor vehicles, certain buses, or commercial motor vehicles that are powered by an alternative fuel. Instead, the owners or operators of such vehicles are required to pay an annual alternative fuel decal fee as follows (certain restrictions apply):
| Gross Vehicle Weight | Type of Vehicle | Decal Fee |
|---|---|---|
| 18,000 pounds (lbs.) or less | Passenger, School Bus, Commercial | $75 |
| 18,000 lbs.-36,000 lbs. | Farm or Farming Transportation with an 'F' License Plate | $100 |
| 18,000 lbs.-36,000 lbs. | Passenger-Carrying and Other Motor Vehicles | $150 |
| 36,000 lbs. or more | Farm or Farming Transportation with an 'F' License Plate | $250 |
| 36,000 lbs. or more | All Other Motor Vehicles | $1,000 |
It is unlawful for any person to operate a motor vehicle required to have an alternative fuel decal upon the highways of this state without a valid decal. No person may fuel alternative fuel vehicles with liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) or natural gas unless the vehicle has a valid decal. (Reference Missouri Revised Statutes 142.803 and 142.869)
