Can a Locked Vehicle Undergo Annual Inspection?
3 Answers
Locked vehicles can undergo annual inspection. Relevant details are as follows: 1. Vehicles displaying a locked status can be inspected annually: When a court imposes seizure, impoundment, or other protective measures on a vehicle, the purpose is to prevent the debtor from mortgaging or transferring the vehicle, which could affect ownership. These court-ordered protective measures do not interfere with the vehicle's annual inspection. 2. Annual inspection includes: (1) Checking whether the engine, chassis, body, and related equipment are clean, complete, and functional; whether the paint is uniform and aesthetically pleasing; whether major assemblies have been replaced; and whether they match the initial inspection records. (2) Verifying whether the vehicle's braking performance, steering control, lighting, exhaust emissions, and other safety features comply with the "Technical Requirements for Safe Operation of Motor Vehicles." (3) Confirming whether the vehicle has undergone modifications, redesigns, or alterations; whether the license plate, registration certificate, and vehicle records match the actual condition of the vehicle; and whether any changes have been properly approved and documented. (4) Inspecting the license plate, registration certificate, and enlarged license plate markings on the vehicle for damage, tampering, illegible text, or the need for replacement.
I remember last year my own car was locked by the traffic department due to an unpaid speeding ticket, making it impossible to pass the annual inspection. When I drove to the inspection station, the staff checked the system and rejected the test because the vehicle was in a locked status. I had to go to the traffic management office first to pay the fine and get the lock removed before I could proceed. That day, I made several trips—paying the fine, completing the unlock procedure, and then going back for the inspection. The whole process was not only troublesome but also wasted extra time and delayed other matters. So, it’s impossible to directly proceed with the annual inspection if the vehicle is locked. When locked, even driving the vehicle on the road is a violation, and the inspection agency will automatically reject it after verifying the records. I recommend everyone not to slack off and handle traffic violations promptly to avoid getting locked.
From a technical automotive perspective, a locked vehicle cannot undergo annual inspection. Locking typically occurs due to unresolved traffic violations or unclear accident liability, resulting in a system-record lock equivalent to the vehicle being 'frozen.' Annual inspection requires the vehicle to be physically driven to the inspection site for safety and emissions testing. If the locked status persists, the inspection system will automatically recognize and reject the test. You must first contact the traffic authorities to lift the lock—such as paying fines or resolving the case—before the vehicle can return to normal status and proceed with inspection. Locking reasons vary, with common ones being overdue annual review or expired insurance. When handling the issue, bring the necessary documents to unlock the vehicle, after which the inspection will proceed smoothly. Never attempt to restart the vehicle or find alternate routes to the inspection site—it won't work and will only waste time.
