Can a vehicle with scratches pass the annual inspection?
3 Answers
Can a vehicle with scratches pass the annual inspection, provided that the vehicle's exterior is intact. Here are the specific details about the annual inspection: Inspection schedule: For new vehicles, the first inspection is required every two years within the first six years after registration; after six years, it becomes an annual inspection; after ten years, it remains an annual inspection, and after fifteen years, it becomes a biannual inspection. For trucks, an annual inspection is required after registration, and after ten years, it becomes a biannual inspection. Consequences of overdue inspection: If a vehicle is found on the road by traffic police without an annual inspection, the owner may face fines or vehicle impoundment. Additionally, in insurance contracts, vehicles that fail to undergo timely annual inspections are considered unqualified, and no claims will be paid in the event of an accident.
I've been driving for many years and have a few small scratches on my car body, but they've never been an issue during the annual inspection. The focus of the annual inspection is on checking safety performance, such as whether the brakes are responsive enough, if the headlights are working, and if there are any issues with the steering system, not on how clean the paint is. If the scratches are just superficial and haven't damaged the headlight covers or the metal structure, there's no need to worry too much. However, deep scratches that expose the metal can lead to rust, and severe rusting might affect the stability of the car's frame, which could prompt the inspectors to ask for repairs during the annual inspection. It's advisable to touch up the paint or have a small shop spray it to prevent rust from worsening. In short, minor scratches don't affect the annual inspection, but the key is to ensure the car doesn't become unsafe.
The scratches on the front of my old car are quite noticeable, but it passed last year's annual inspection with ease. The inspectors don't even look at these minor damages—they just use equipment to check if emissions meet standards, if the brakes respond quickly, and if the front and rear lights are properly aligned. Unless scratches damage the headlights or crack the rims affecting balance, they're no issue. However, deep scratches left unpainted can let rainwater seep in, causing rust and corrosion to chassis components, which could lead to major problems if detected during inspection. Now, I just dab some paint on minor scratches to cover them—saving time and money. The key is to regularly check the car's condition to ensure road safety, rather than relying solely on annual inspections to uncover hidden issues.
