Can a car pass the annual inspection after installing fog lights?
2 Answers
Installing fog lights on a vehicle does not affect the annual inspection, and it can pass. The prerequisite is that the vehicle has applied for record filing at the local vehicle management office before the modification, and the fog lights are installed by professional modifiers, with the color of the added fog lights consistent with that of standard fog lights. The external structure, brightness, and angle of illumination of the added fog lights must match those of standard vehicle fog lights. If the color of the fog lights installed by the owner does not comply with regulations, the appearance differs from standard vehicle fog lights, or the angle of illumination is too high, the vehicle will not pass the annual inspection due to these issues. Fog lights are installed at the front and rear of the car, divided into front fog lights and rear fog lights. Front fog lights are white or yellow, while rear fog lights are red. Since light can increase visibility distance, especially yellow anti-fog lights, which have strong light penetration, they can improve the visibility of the driver and surrounding traffic participants in low-visibility foggy conditions where the driver's line of sight is limited. This allows oncoming vehicles and pedestrians to spot each other from a greater distance. Therefore, installing fog lights on low-end cars is legal and beneficial for safety. As fog lights are considered safety devices, the Ministry of Public Security requires motor vehicles to install fog lights that comply with national standards. Motor vehicles without rear fog lights installed as required are not allowed to enter highways. When installing vehicle fog lights, wiring needs to be rerouted at the vehicle's battery. Therefore, it is necessary to have professionals install the fog lights to prevent improper wiring from affecting the normal use of other vehicle circuits.
Regarding the installation of fog lights for vehicle inspection, I'd like to share my personal experience. At the end of last year, I had fog lights installed at a certified auto repair shop, opting for LED products with CCC certification. They were mounted below the bumper according to the manufacturer's standards without altering the original wiring. During the inspection, the staff checked the brightness and stability of the fog lights and approved them as everything was compliant. However, I've heard of people buying cheap online products and installing them haphazardly, resulting in excessive flickering or unstable mounting, which led to immediate rejection during inspection. The key is to use lights from legitimate sources, avoid cutting corners, and have professionals ensure electrical safety during installation. While fog lights improve visibility in rainy or foggy conditions, improper installation can cause short circuits or interfere with other lights, compromising driving safety. In short, installing fog lights isn't the issue—it's whether the installation strictly follows the national standard GB 7258. Before installation, it's best to check the requirements of your local inspection station to avoid future hassles.
