Can a Car with Added Roof Rack Pass Annual Inspection?
2 Answers
Car with added roof rack cannot pass annual inspection. Self-installed roof racks alter the vehicle's appearance, thus failing the inspection. Below are the relevant details: 1. Motor vehicle annual inspection includes an exterior check, examining whether the vehicle's lights are damaged, if the body appearance matches the original, if the suspension has been altered, as well as the sunroof, tires, etc. Additional installations that affect the vehicle's exterior appearance, such as roof racks, body kits, spoilers, modified exhaust pipes, or larger tires, will not pass the inspection. 2. Vehicle annual inspection refers to a mandatory test for every vehicle that has obtained official license plates and registration, equivalent to an annual physical examination for the vehicle based on the safety technical conditions for motor vehicle operation.
I've been driving for over ten years and installed a roof rack on my SUV a few years ago, which passed the annual inspection smoothly last year. The inspection station mainly checks if the roof rack is factory-approved or meets standard height requirements, such as not exceeding 50 centimeters above the car roof, and it must be securely fixed. My rack was a branded product purchased online with safety certification, so there were no issues. However, if it's non-compliant—like obstructing visibility or being overweight—it will definitely fail the annual inspection and may even result in a fine. It's advisable to consult a 4S shop or the vehicle management office for approval before making modifications, and don’t skimp on quality to save money. While roof racks are great for extra cargo space, the key for annual inspection is to check in advance to avoid last-minute mishaps.