Over 10K Missouri school buses pass annual inspection

MISSOURI (KQTV) -- The Missouri State Highway Patrol conducted its annual school bus inspection, where 10,239 of over 11,000 buses passed.

MSHP said 849 Missouri school buses were rated "defective" and 283 were rated "out-of-service".

Buses identified with defective components require repair within 10 days. Buses placed out-of-service require the correction of component(s), reinspection and a return to service by Patrol personnel before further transportation use.

A total of 287 Missouri school districts earned the Patrol's Total Fleet Excellence Award for 2026. During the 2025-2026 school year, 6,148 buses in the award-winning fleets are eligible to display the Patrol's Total Fleet Excellence sticker in the lower corner of the first window on the passenger entry side of the bus.

"Through the unified effort of Missouri State Highway Patrol personnel and pupil transportation professionals statewide, the successful inspection of over 11,000 school buses occurred in accordance with Missouri revised state statutes," said Colonel Michael A. Turner, MSHP superintendent. "The annual inspection of school buses is one of many ways the Patrol, Missouri schools and private pupil transportation companies work together to ensure the safety of children while they travel on school buses."

MSHP provided results for all school districts across the state.

The St. Joseph School District, which utilizes 88 school buses, had 95.5% of its fleet approved for use by MSHP.

2.3% of SJSD's buses were considered "defective," and 2.2% were considered "out-of-service".

MSHP evaluates each bus based on information provided on its website.