Can a car pass the annual inspection with the engine yellow light on?
2 Answers
If the engine yellow light is on, the car cannot pass the annual inspection. The engine yellow light indicates a fault in the engine, and the engine control system has detected an issue with the engine's working condition, requiring immediate inspection and repair. During the motor vehicle inspection, the focus is on checking whether the vehicle's braking performance, steering control, lighting, exhaust, and other safety features meet the technical requirements for safe operation. Situations that may affect the annual inspection include: 1. Unauthorized installation of xenon headlights—if the brightness exceeds the standard, the vehicle will fail the inspection unless lenses are added to comply with regulations; 2. Window tinting that is too dark—the driver's compartment must ensure visibility for the driver, and the visible light transmittance of the windshield and front side windows in the driver's viewing area must not be less than 70%; 3. Vehicle body color wraps or stickers covering more than 30% of the total surface area.
As a professional with years of experience in auto repair, I can tell you that an illuminated check engine light almost certainly means your vehicle will fail the annual inspection. That light indicates the engine control system has detected an issue, which could be a faulty sensor, excessive carbon buildup, or an emissions system malfunction—all of which can lead to excessive tailpipe emissions. During the inspection, technicians use an OBD scanner to read trouble codes; if the light is on with active fault codes, the system automatically flags the vehicle as non-compliant. Even if the scan shows no issues, emissions testing may still exceed limits, such as elevated carbon monoxide levels. Common culprits include aging or failed oxygen sensors or catalytic converters, which degrade overall performance. I recommend owners visit an authorized dealership for a thorough diagnostic and repair, clearing codes and fixing root causes before the inspection. This prevents wasted trips and avoids the hassle and extra expense of mandatory re-inspection rejections due to unresolved issues. Proper vehicle maintenance ensures a smooth annual inspection process.
