Can a vehicle pass the annual inspection with one brake light not working?
4 Answers
A vehicle cannot pass the annual inspection if one brake light is not working. The inspection process is now very strict, and all brake lights must be functional because one of the steps involves uploading a photo of the brake lights. If they are not working, the vehicle will fail the inspection. Vehicle annual inspection refers to the mandatory testing required for every vehicle that has obtained an official license plate and registration certificate. It is equivalent to an annual 'physical examination' for the vehicle according to the 'Technical Conditions for Motor Vehicle Operation Safety,' aimed at promptly eliminating potential safety hazards, encouraging proper vehicle maintenance, and reducing the occurrence of traffic accidents—commonly referred to as the 'vehicle inspection.' The preparatory work is as follows: 1. Dim or modified HID headlights are not allowed: During the inspection, the vehicle management office will check the vehicle's lights. If the lights are found to be too dim or too bright, the vehicle will be deemed unqualified and will not pass the inspection. Therefore, it is necessary to inspect the vehicle's lights in advance. If the lights are too dim, check the wiring and bulbs for aging and replace the relevant parts if necessary. If HID headlights have been installed, it is recommended to revert to the original headlights before the inspection to pass. 2. Ensure the vehicle's braking performance is good: The braking performance is one of the most critical indicators of vehicle safety and is a mandatory item during the inspection. Therefore, the braking system should be checked in advance. Brake fluid and brake pads are the two key areas to focus on. Dirty brake fluid or high water content can cause soft braking, while excessively worn brake pads can lead to reduced braking force and noise. After inspection, perform maintenance on the relevant parts to ensure the vehicle passes the inspection. 3. Handle any traffic violation records before the inspection: Unresolved traffic violations will affect the inspection's outcome. Before the inspection, check for any traffic violations and pay the fines as soon as possible. Traffic violation fines can be paid at banks offering traffic violation payment services. 4. Renew insurance before the inspection: The annual inspection is based on the vehicle's registration date, which often coincides with the insurance expiration date. If the insurance policy is due to expire within 15 days, renew it before the inspection. Required documents for obtaining the inspection pass include: the 'Motor Vehicle License Plate Application Form,' 'Motor Vehicle Inspection Record Form,' and 'Motor Vehicle Safety Technical Inspection Certificate.' For company vehicles, bring the company seal and a power of attorney, and the agent must present their original ID. 5. Clean the vehicle and pay attention to the chassis before the inspection: During the inspection, the staff will check the vehicle's frame number, engine number, and chassis. Cleaning the vehicle's body, engine compartment, and chassis in advance will facilitate the inspection process and help pass the inspection.
I've been driving for several years and have experienced similar issues during annual inspections. A non-functioning brake light usually results in a failed inspection. The inspection requires all brake lights to be operational because traffic regulations mandate a complete lighting system to prevent rear-end collisions caused by miscommunication. During my last inspection, the staff directly informed me that any malfunctioning light would result in points deducted and require repairs. The reason is simple: safety comes first—a missing light essentially sends the wrong signal to others. I recommend getting the light fixed; for most cars, replacing a bulb is sufficient and not costly. Don’t wait until the inspection is imminent—handling it early saves trouble. Remember, annual inspections aren’t just about compliance; they protect everyone. I’ve seen friends fail inspections due to unrepaired lights, leading to delays and higher costs.
From experience, a brake light being out will definitely cause the vehicle to fail its annual inspection. Having worked in vehicle maintenance for many years, I know inspection standards are strict, especially for the braking system. Inspectors check each light individually, and a non-functioning light is considered a safety hazard. You might think it's a minor issue, but the consequences can be severe—misjudgment by following vehicles can easily lead to accidents. I recommend first checking if the bulb is burnt out or if there's poor wiring contact. Replacing the bulb yourself can save trouble; otherwise, take it to an auto repair shop for a quick fix. Don't risk delaying it—safety isn't something to compromise on. As an extra note, regularly checking your lights can effectively prevent issues, so make it a habit to walk around your car before driving.
I've had this issue before. If one brake light is out, it will likely fail the annual inspection. The inspection rules require all lights to be functioning properly, otherwise it will be an immediate fail. As a daily driver, I believe safety is the most important reason. A missing light makes it harder for vehicles behind to see your braking intention, increasing the risk of accidents. I've fixed lights myself before - usually just buy a new bulb and replace it, which is cheap and quick. Don't wait until the inspection finds the problem, it's safer to fix it in advance. By the way, they check other things during inspection too, but lights are crucial. Maintaining your vehicle in good condition is taking responsibility for yourself.
