Can a Vehicle Pass the Annual Inspection with the Airbag Light On?
3 Answers
If the airbag warning light remains illuminated, the vehicle will not pass the annual inspection. Here is some additional information: 1. The vehicle submitted for inspection should be clean, with no obvious oil, water, or air leaks. The tires should be in good condition, with normal tire pressure and no foreign objects in the tread pattern. 2. The engine should run smoothly, with stable idle speed and no abnormal noises. 3. For vehicles equipped with an onboard diagnostic system, there should be no fault information related to the anti-lock braking system, electric power steering system, or any other safety-related systems. 4. During the vehicle inspection, the vehicle's registration certificate and a valid compulsory traffic accident liability insurance certificate must be provided.
I've driven quite a few cars, and the airbag warning light coming on is no small matter—it will definitely fail the annual inspection because this light indicates a problem with the airbag system. Inspection stations have specialized equipment to check the functional status of safety devices. The light could be caused by a sensor malfunction, wiring short circuit, or the airbag itself failing. Once you notice it, you should immediately take it to a repair shop for diagnosis. Only after the issue is fixed and the light goes off can it pass inspection. Airbags can save lives in accidents, and a non-functional system significantly increases risks. That's why strict checks are mandatory during annual inspections—no cutting corners. I've personally encountered a similar situation, and timely handling helped me avoid further trouble. Safety comes first—don’t wait until inspection day to discover the problem.
Last time before my annual inspection, the airbag light was constantly on, and I thought it was no big deal, but it actually got me stuck. The technician explained that the light being on indicates a system abnormality, which doesn't meet the inspection standards, so I had to go back and fix it before I could retake the test. The reason was a minor fault in the airbag control unit, and replacing a part fixed it. This incident taught me to take warning lights in the car seriously, especially for critical devices like airbags, which are strictly checked during inspections. I suggest you go to a repair shop for a diagnosis early, don't delay like I did, and make sure your car is in good condition before lining up for the annual inspection.