Can a Broken Taillight Pass the Annual Inspection?
3 Answers
A broken taillight cannot pass the annual inspection. Regular annual inspection items include: Checking whether the engine, chassis, body, and their auxiliary equipment are clean, complete, and effective; whether the paint surface is uniform and aesthetically pleasing; whether the main assemblies have been replaced; and whether they match the initial inspection records. Main consequences: Vehicles that fail the regular inspection must be repaired within the specified time. If they still fail after the deadline, the vehicle management authority has the right to confiscate the license plates and registration certificates of the unqualified vehicles, which means they cannot be driven on the road or transferred to another jurisdiction. Rear position lamp: A lamp visible from the rear of the vehicle, used to indicate the presence and width of the vehicle. Rear turn signal: A lamp used to indicate to other road users behind that the vehicle will turn right or left.
I've checked the vehicle inspection regulations, and a broken taillight will definitely fail the annual inspection. During the yearly vehicle inspection, the lighting system is one of the mandatory check items, especially the taillight which is crucial for nighttime driving safety. If the taillight is broken, the inspector can immediately spot the light not working when starting the car, and it will be directly marked as unqualified. This is no small matter—I've seen many friends fail inspection due to minor issues they didn't fix. Essentially, the purpose of the annual inspection is to ensure the vehicle is safe for the road, and a missing or faulty taillight can affect the judgment of following drivers, increasing the risk of rear-end collisions. It's best to regularly check the condition of your car lights while driving. If you notice a light is out, promptly visit a repair shop to replace the bulb or fix the wiring. Delaying repairs not only wastes inspection time but could also lead to being pulled over and fined by the police. Remember, any lighting equipment issues won't escape the scrutiny of the inspection—fixing them early saves hassle.
Having driven for over a decade, I know full well that you should never delay fixing a broken taillight until the annual inspection. Once your car lights malfunction, safety risks increase dramatically. For instance, without taillights at night, vehicles behind can't clearly see your position or turn signals, potentially causing accidents in an instant. During the annual inspection, these hazards are immediately exposed as inspectors thoroughly test all lighting equipment—non-functional taillights will definitely be flagged as defects. I recommend developing a routine check habit: glance at your lights during car washes and promptly replace bulbs yourself or seek professional repair if issues arise. The repair cost is minimal, but neglecting it only brings trouble—failing the inspection means rescheduling and retesting, wasting days and incurring extra fees. Safety comes first; whether for passing inspections or road safety, fixing taillights is mandatory.
