Can I Change the Inspection Station If My Vehicle Fails the Annual Inspection?
4 Answers
According to regulations, if a vehicle fails the inspection at one inspection station, it is not allowed to switch to another inspection station. The vehicle must be rectified as required by the inspection line and then return to the same inspection station for re-inspection until it passes. Precautions for Annual Vehicle Inspection: Within the Valid Inspection Period: Check the vehicle's annual inspection date via the "Inspection Pass Sticker." The "Inspection" sticker clearly states the valid annual inspection date for the vehicle. The numbers 1-12 on the "Inspection" sticker represent the 12 months. You can punch a hole in the month of validity as a mark, making it the most intuitive way to know the inspection validity period. You can apply for the annual inspection up to 90 working days before the expiration date. Basic Inspection Process: Vehicle inspection items include registration procedures, visual inspection, exhaust emission testing, and on-site testing (lights, side slip, brakes, chassis, front and rear axles, and other safety performance tests). After completion, submit the inspection report and the copy of the compulsory insurance to the service hall, after which the annual inspection pass and environmental compliance certificate will be issued. Handling Traffic Violations: If the vehicle has outstanding violations, the annual inspection sticker will not be issued after inspection. Before the inspection, ensure that there are no unresolved traffic violations for the vehicle. Check for any violation records on relevant websites and resolve them before the inspection. Vehicle Appearance Self-Inspection: Ensure the vehicle's exterior is clean, without large-scale damage or modification marks. Keep the vehicle tidy—preferably wash it before inspection. Ensure all lights, horns, etc., are functioning properly. Repair any faults in advance. Additionally, the vehicle should not have severe accident damage or excessive modification marks. In simple terms, the inspected vehicle should match the one photographed in the vehicle registration document. Required Documents and Items Before Inspection: Vehicle registration certificate, ID card, and compulsory insurance policy. Before inspection, prepare the vehicle registration certificate, copy of the compulsory insurance (insurance must not be expired or invalid), and ID card (does not need to be the owner's)—all three are mandatory. Typical Items Checked During Annual Vehicle Inspection: Hardware Inspection: Check for damage to the engine, transmission, body, chassis, and other hardware facilities, as well as any obvious damage to the body. Brake Inspection: Inspect the functionality of the vehicle's transmission and brake lights, ensuring they are intact and operate normally and smoothly. Modifications: Check if the vehicle has been modified, whether it has undergone re-inspection after modification, and whether proper documentation is available. License Plate: Inspect the license plate for dirt or obstructions.
Speaking of failing the vehicle inspection and trying another testing station, I just encountered this situation last week. My old car didn't pass the emissions test, which was quite frustrating. A friend suggested trying my luck at another inspection station, so I went to a different one, but it still failed, wasting half a day and a few dozen bucks in testing fees. Later, I learned that the inspection system is networked, and the issue is recorded—there's no passing without fixing it. Now I've wised up: first, have a mechanic identify the specific problem, like worn brake pads or faulty lights, spend some money to fix it, and then go to a new station or return to the original one for a retest—it's efficient and hassle-free. Regular car maintenance helps prevent issues and makes inspections smoother.
As a car-loving post-90s generation, I think this issue is quite common. Can you change the inspection station if your vehicle fails the test? Technically yes, since inspection stations nationwide now share data through a networked system, switching to a new location is feasible. However, from personal experience, it's better not to rush to change stations. You should first fix the root cause of the failure. Issues like excessive exhaust emissions or malfunctioning lights will be immediately flagged by inspectors, and changing stations won't help if the problems aren't addressed. I usually go straight to a professional repair shop to resolve the issues, saving myself the hassle of back-and-forth trips that disrupt work and life schedules. Vehicle safety comes first.
As a veteran driver with thirty years of experience, I've witnessed many vehicle inspection disputes. Can you switch inspection stations after failing the test? The answer is yes, but it's not very helpful. If the issues aren't fixed, simply changing the testing location won't get you a pass—it just adds unnecessary hassle. My advice is to stop driving immediately, have a trusted mechanic diagnose and repair the problem—whether it's replacing a faulty bulb or adjusting the brakes—and then go for the inspection. This saves time, effort, and ensures safety.
