Can headlights with black film pass the annual inspection?
2 Answers
Headlights with black film cannot pass the annual inspection. Any modification that makes the vehicle appearance inconsistent with the information on the vehicle registration certificate will have an impact. Relevant regulations: According to the current "Motor Vehicle Registration Regulations," any changes to the body color, model, performance, purpose, or structure of a licensed motor vehicle, including replacing the frame, body, or engine, require the owner to apply for modification registration with the vehicle management office. Installing spoilers, body kits, or modifying exhaust pipes are generally not allowed. Traffic regulation penalties: Unauthorized changes to the motor vehicle's appearance or registered technical data will result in the traffic management authorities ordering the restoration of the original condition and issuing a warning or fine. Applying blue film to headlights or smoked film to taillights constitutes altering the vehicle's appearance. The traffic management authorities (traffic police) will order the restoration of the original condition and impose a fine.
When it comes to passing the annual inspection with black film on headlights, I think it's mostly a no-go. The inspection has quite strict requirements for headlight brightness, and applying black film significantly reduces the light output, making it fall below safety standards. I've driven many cars and visit inspection stations every year—when the staff measure with their instruments, if the brightness is insufficient, they'll reject it outright. This isn't just about regulations but also safety—if you can't see the road clearly at night and hit a pedestrian or obstacle, it's game over. If you really want to pass inspection, I suggest removing the film or switching to a certified transparent film. By the way, before the inspection, do a simple test yourself: find a dark spot, turn on your headlights, and if the beam doesn't reach far, deal with it immediately. Don’t waste time and effort making a pointless trip later.
