The Division has developed, over the past three years, a comprehensive passenger carrier safety inspection program. Passenger carrier safety is a primary concern for the Division since Missouri, and especially Branson, is among the top tourist destinations in North America. Division Inspectors conduct safety inspections at destinations or carrier terminals when buses do not have their passengers on board.

The Division has two classifications of passenger carriers: for-hire and private. For-hire passenger carriers provide service to the general public and are required to register with the Division. Private carriers provide passenger service in furtherance of a commercial enterprise. Examples include, but are not limited to: hotel courtesy buses, airport passenger shuttle services, buses operated by professional musicians, scout groups, etc., normally, whereby no fees are collected.

The definition of a passenger carrier varies somewhat depending on whether the operation is entirely intrastate or interstate. The Federal Highway Administration/Office of Motor Carriers' definition includes any vehicle designed to transport more than 8 passengers, including the driver (interstate). The Division's definition includes any vehicle designed to transport more than 6 passengers including the driver and not operated as a taxi or otherwise exempt (intrastate).