Can the vehicle pass the annual inspection with the malfunction indicator light on?
4 Answers
Before the annual vehicle inspection, it is necessary to ensure that the vehicle is operating normally. If the malfunction indicator light remains on and cannot be turned off before the inspection, generally, the vehicle cannot undergo the annual inspection, and even if attempted, it will not pass. However, this also depends on the type of malfunction indicator light. Relevant information about vehicle annual inspection is as follows: 1. Introduction: Vehicle annual inspection refers to a mandatory test for every vehicle that has obtained an official license plate and registration certificate. It is equivalent to an annual physical examination for the vehicle according to the 'Technical Conditions for Motor Vehicle Operation Safety.' 2. Purpose: The vehicle annual inspection helps to promptly eliminate potential safety hazards, encourages enhanced vehicle maintenance, and reduces the occurrence of traffic accidents.
I've been driving for decades, and if the warning light is on, the annual inspection will definitely fail. This is related to driving safety. During the annual inspection, all indicator lights are strictly checked, including the engine fault light and ABS light. If they are on, it means the car has potential issues, such as excessive emissions or brake system failure. I remember one time my brother's car had the engine light on continuously. When he went for the annual inspection, he was immediately rejected. Later, it was found to be an oxygen sensor issue, and only after repairing it did he pass. So I suggest you quickly use an OBD scanner to check the specific fault code. If it's a minor issue, you can fix it yourself, but major problems require professional repair. Don't delay—it affects both the inspection results and increases accident risks. Regular maintenance can prevent such issues and keep your vehicle in good condition.
Last year during my annual vehicle inspection, the check engine light suddenly came on, which made me extremely nervous, and I ended up failing the inspection. The inspector said that a lit check engine light indicates a safety system abnormality, and the inspection standards are very strict—for example, an illuminated engine light might mean the emissions are not up to standard. Later, I bought some tools to diagnose the issue myself and found out the spark plugs were worn out. Replacing them solved the problem. The lesson here is: don’t wait until just before the inspection to pay attention to warning lights. Always keep an eye on the dashboard while driving, and investigate any unusual noises or vibrations. If you go for inspection with the light on, you’ll just waste time and money—better to diagnose and fix the issue beforehand. Also, it’s advisable to do a full pre-inspection check-up to save both money and hassle, avoiding the same mistake I made.
As an experienced driver, I must warn you that if the warning light is on, there's an 80% chance you won't pass the annual inspection, because the core purpose of the inspection is to ensure the vehicle is safe for the road. A lit warning light, such as the engine malfunction indicator, suggests excessive emissions or mechanical defects, which inspectors will immediately flag as non-compliant. I've seen many car owners ignore minor issues, only to complain about high inspection fees after failing—essentially creating their own troubles. My advice is to first identify the cause of the light; it might be something simple like a blown fuse or a loose fuel cap. Fix the issue, let the light go off, and then go for the inspection—your chances of passing will be much higher. Safety comes first—don't risk driving with unresolved issues. Failing the inspection is a minor issue compared to the unimaginable consequences of an accident.
