Can a Car with Tinted Film Pass the Annual Inspection?
2 Answers
A car with tinted film can pass the annual inspection. Key points to note for vehicle annual inspection: 1. No modifications to the vehicle's exterior: No additional body kits, changes to the body color, modifications to van compartments (no side doors, roof openings, or tailgate additions), no alterations to tire size, and the tread patterns on the same axle must be consistent. 2. Color of window tint or sunshade film: The tint or sunshade film on windows should not be too dark; items inside the vehicle should be clearly visible from one meter away, primarily applicable to vans and trucks. 3. Fire extinguisher: Vans and trucks must have enlarged rear license plate numbers, and the number of spring leaf plates cannot be increased or decreased. The number of seats in vans must not be altered, and a fire extinguisher is required. 4. Traffic violations: Vehicles with unresolved traffic violations or those impounded by the court cannot undergo the annual inspection.
From my over ten years of experience in auto repair, whether window tinting can pass the annual inspection mainly depends on the film's light transmittance meeting standards. There are strict regulations for the inspection: the front windshield and front side windows must have a light transmittance of over 70%. Excessively dark films can obstruct the driver's visibility, especially at night or in rainy and foggy conditions, increasing the risk of accidents, which will definitely fail the inspection. I recommend testing the data at a professional shop before applying the film and choosing products from reputable brands—don’t opt for cheap, no-name alternatives. If the film is already applied and fails the inspection, you’ll have to remove it and start over, wasting both time and money. While window tinting offers many benefits, such as heat insulation, cooling, reducing air conditioning load, and protecting the interior, safety should always come first. Regularly check the light transmittance and don’t wait for problems to arise before taking action. Test it before the inspection, and if it doesn’t meet standards, address the issue early. In short, compliance is key.
