A starter for starting in-vehicle internal combustion engines comprise a motor, an electromagnetic switch and an electrically conductive connection member. The electromagnetic switch comprises first and second fixed contacts, a movable contact, an electromagnet moving back and forth to the movable contact to electrically connect and disconnect the first and second fixed contacts, and a cover covering the first and second contacts and movable contact. The predetermined direction is parallel to an armature provided in the motor. The electromagnet is provided with only a single coil generating a drive force for moving the movable contact. A connection member is arranged to be through the casing and the cover and electrically connects a brush of the armature in the motor and the second fixed contact in the switch. The connection member includes an end part arranged in the casing of the switch. This end part functionally provides the second fixed contact.