Colonel Eric T. Olson, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, has announced the results of the Driver and Vehicle Safety Division’s 2020 annual school bus inspection program.

According to a news release, school buses rated as “approved” upon initial inspection — 10,539;
School buses rated as “defective” upon initial inspection — 1,030 ; and
School buses rated as “out-of-service” upon initial inspection — 259.

Those buses found defective require repair within 10 days. Buses placed out-of-service require correction of the component(s) prior to further usage.

A total of 258 Missouri school districts earned the Patrol’s Total Fleet Excellence award this year. During the 2020-2021 school year, 5,594 buses in these 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.

Missouri school bus inspection results are a matter of public record. Individual school district results for 2020 are available at https://www.mshp.dps.missouri.gov/MSHPWeb/PatrolDivisions/DVSD/MVI/documents/2020AnnualSchoolBusInspectionResults.pdf.

School bus inspection criteria, including a listing of Missouri’s out-of-service criteria are available at
https://www.mshp.dps.missouri.gov/MSHPWeb/PatrolDivisions/DVSD/MVI/documents/schoolBusRegulations.pdf.