Alternative Fuels -- State Regulations for Missouri

This page contains selected data from the Alternative Fuels Data Center (AFDC) at the U. S. Department of Energy. Additional details and the latest updates may be found at the AFDC summary page for Missouri.

Vehicle Acquisition

State agency vehicles

A state agency that operates a vehicle fleet consisting of 15 vehicles or more must ensure that at least 50% of new vehicles purchased over a defined biennial period are capable of operating using an alternative fuel. 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 operating state fleet vehicles must be alternative fuels. (Reference Missouri Revised Statutes 414.400 and 414.410)

Fuel Use

All vehicles (ethanol blend mandate)

All gasoline offered for sale at retail stations within the state must contain 10% ethanol (E10). This requirement is waived only if a distributor is unable to purchase ethanol or ethanol-blended gasoline at the same or lower price as unblended gasoline. Premium gasoline is exempt from this requirement. Ethanol is defined as fuel that is derived from an agricultural source and that meets ASTM specification D4806. (Reference Missouri Revised Statutes 414.255)

State agency vehicles

At least 75% of the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) vehicles and heavy equipment that use diesel fuel must be fueled with biodiesel blends of at least 20% (B20), if such fuel is commercially available. The blended biodiesel fuel will be considered commercially available if the incremental purchase cost is not more than $0.25 compared to conventional diesel fuel. To the maximum extent practicable, MoDOT may obtain funding for the incremental cost of the blended biodiesel fuel from the state's Biodiesel Fuel Revolving Fund. (Reference Missouri Revised Statutes 414.407 and 414.365)

General

Decal Requirement (alternative fuel vehicles)

The $0.17 per gallon state motor fuel tax does not apply to passenger vehicles, certain buses, or commercial vehicles that are powered by an alternative fuel. 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 Fee18,000 pounds (lbs.) or less Passenger, School Bus, or Commercial $7518,000 lbs.-36,000 lbs. Farm or Farming Transportation with an 'F' License Plate $10018,000 lbs.-36,000 lbs. Passenger-Carrying and Other Motor Vehicles $15036,000 lbs. or more Farm or Farming Transportation with an 'F' License Plate $25036,000 lbs. or more All Other Motor Vehicles $1,000A vehicle that requires an alternative fuel decal may not operate on state highways without a valid decal. No person may fuel an AFV with liquefied petroleum gas (propane) or natural gas unless the vehicle has a valid decal. Motor vehicles licensed as historic vehicles that are powered by alternative fuels are exempt from the motor fuels tax as well as the alternative fuel decal requirement.(Reference Missouri Revised Statutes 142.803 and 142.869)

Inspection Exemption (emissions)

Vehicles that are powered exclusively by electricity, including low-speed vehicles; hydrogen; or fuels other than gasoline that are exempt from motor vehicle emissions inspection under federal regulation are exempt from state emissions inspection requirements. (Reference Missouri Revised Statutes 643.315)

Tax Exemption (alternative fuel vehicles)

The $0.17 per gallon state motor fuel tax does not apply to passenger vehicles, certain buses, or commercial vehicles that are powered by an alternative fuel. The owners or operators of such vehicles are required to pay an annual alternative fuel decal fee. (Reference Missouri Revised Statutes 142.803 and 142.869)

Weight Limit Exemption (idle reduction)

Any vehicle equipped with qualified idle reduction technology may exceed the state's gross and axle weight limits by up to 400 pounds to compensate for the additional weight of the idle reduction technology. The vehicle operator must be able to provide proof of the weight of the idle reduction technology and that it is fully functional at all times. (Reference Missouri Revised Statutes 304.180)