Can a Truck with Thickened Steel Plates Pass Annual Inspection?
2 Answers
Trucks with thickened steel plates cannot pass annual inspection, as adding steel plates constitutes a modification. Laws and regulations impose restrictions on vehicle modifications: The vehicle model, engine model, and frame number cannot be altered, and the body structure must not be compromised. If the vehicle color is changed, or the engine, body, or frame is replaced, the vehicle must be submitted for inspection. Additionally, a safety technical inspection certificate must be provided for engine, body, or frame replacements. Stickers on the vehicle must not exceed 30% of the total body area; if they do, approval from relevant authorities is required. The vehicle's appearance must not be significantly altered and should remain largely consistent with the photo on the vehicle registration certificate. Annual inspection procedure: First, after submitting the inspection application, the vehicle undergoes an online inspection. The vehicle is driven into an automatic inspection area where emissions, speed, lights, side slip, and chassis are checked against standards. The vehicle passes only if all items meet the requirements. Next is the appearance inspection, which verifies the accuracy of the license plate, vehicle type, body color, engine number, VIN code, and frame number. The body appearance is then inspected, including details such as the bumper, engine compartment, rearview mirrors, lower mirrors, window glass, paint, engine operation, interior of passenger vehicles, and wheels. Finally, the owner can obtain the inspection report and application form from the inspector. If all items pass, the owner can proceed to pay the inspection fee and collect the vehicle registration certificate and inspection label. If any items fail, the owner must repair the vehicle and undergo a re-inspection until all items pass before proceeding with the visa process.
I've been in the transportation business for over a decade and personally experienced failing annual inspection due to installing reinforced steel plates. That year, I thought the original plates were too thin and not durable enough, so I had thicker ones installed at a repair shop. But the inspection station rejected it immediately. The staff measured with a tape measure and said my truck bed's ground clearance exceeded standards, plus there was no modification record on the vehicle registration. Later I learned that the DMV is extremely strict about this - you must apply for modification approval beforehand. Now I've learned my lesson: before any modifications, I go to the DMV to file an application first. Only after approval can I have the work done at certified modification shops, followed by reinspection and registration updates. After all this hassle, I realized it would've been better to buy a factory-built heavy-duty truck from the beginning.
