Can the vehicle owner be absent during the annual inspection?
2 Answers
It is permissible for the vehicle owner to be absent during the annual inspection, but the authorized person must bring the owner's ID card. The inspection schedule is as follows: 1. For passenger transport vehicles, an annual inspection is required within the first 5 years, and every 6 months thereafter; 2. For cargo vehicles and large/medium-sized non-passenger transport vehicles, an annual inspection is required within the first 10 years, and every 6 months thereafter; 3. For small and mini non-passenger transport vehicles, two exemptions are allowed within the first 6 years, with an annual inspection required thereafter. The inspection items include: 1. Checking the engine, chassis, body, and attached equipment for cleanliness, completeness, and effectiveness, uniform and aesthetically pleasing paint, replacement of major assemblies, and consistency with initial inspection records; 2. Verifying the vehicle's braking performance, lighting, exhaust, and other safety features comply with regulations; 3. Confirming if the vehicle has been modified or altered, and if the driving license, license plate, and vehicle records match the actual condition; 4. Inspecting the license plate, driving license, and enlarged license plate markings for damage, tampering, or illegibility, and determining if replacement is necessary.
As an ordinary car owner, I used to handle the annual inspection myself every year, but this time I was too busy, so I had my wife do it for me. Actually, it's perfectly fine if the owner doesn't go in person—you just need to find a reliable friend or family member as a proxy. They'll need to bring a copy of your ID card, the original vehicle registration certificate, the original insurance policy, plus their own ID. My wife had no issues that time; the inspection station staff checked the documents and let it pass. Remember to call ahead and check local regulations, as some places might require a signed authorization letter from the owner. Also, before the inspection, it's best to check basic items like lights and brakes yourself to avoid failing and having to redo it. It's quite common for owners to skip the inspection—I know several friends who've done it this way, saving time and effort. The key is to pick someone trustworthy to avoid any mishaps that could affect the inspection. Overall, as long as the documents are complete, the inspection can be handled smoothly without affecting your vehicle's certification.
