Can a car pass the annual inspection with the engine yellow warning light on?
2 Answers
If the engine fault light is on (yellow), the vehicle will not pass the annual inspection. The annual inspection checks whether the car meets the required standards, and if any warning light is illuminated during the inspection, the vehicle will fail. These warning lights include: the engine fault light (constantly on), the brake system fault light (constantly on), the airbag indicator light (constantly on), and the electric power steering fault light (illuminated). Therefore, it is advisable to conduct a pre-inspection check before the annual inspection and address any issues promptly. Other factors that may affect the annual inspection include: 1. Unauthorized installation of xenon headlights. According to national standards, unauthorized modification of xenon headlights with excessive brightness will fail the inspection unless lenses are installed to meet the standards. 2. Window tint film that is too dark. According to national regulations, the driver's front and side visibility must be ensured. The visible light transmittance of the windshield and the front side windows in the driver's line of sight must not be less than 70%. If the window tint film is too dark and reduces transmittance below 70%, the vehicle will not pass the inspection. 3. Body stickers covering more than 30% of the vehicle's surface. According to regulations, color-changing films or stickers on the body must not exceed 30% of the total vehicle area. If they exceed 30%, the vehicle will not pass the annual inspection.
It depends on local regulations. I've seen many cars pass inspection with the engine yellow light on, but most fail. The annual inspection mainly checks safety and emissions. If the light is on, the tester may read fault codes, such as a faulty oxygen sensor or excessive emissions, and will directly fail the vehicle. I once helped a friend take his car for inspection, and it got stuck at the emissions step because the light was on. It's best to go to a repair shop beforehand to diagnose the issue by plugging in an OBD scanner to read the fault codes. It could be a minor issue like worn spark plugs or a major one like a failed catalytic converter. Fix it before the inspection to save money and hassle. Otherwise, forcing it through might result in fines and having to queue up again, costing more time. Remember, engine health affects overall performance—don't delay repairs when issues arise.