Can vehicle annual inspection be conducted across provinces?
3 Answers
Vehicle annual inspection can indeed be conducted across provinces. After the implementation of the new regulations, cross-regional vehicle inspections are divided into intra-provincial and inter-provincial inspections. The procedures for intra-provincial inspections are the same as those for local inspections. For inter-provincial inspections, the vehicle owner needs to return to the registration location of the vehicle to obtain a cross-regional inspection authorization letter before returning to the location where the vehicle is used to undergo the annual inspection. The required materials for cross-regional inspections are as follows: 1. Original ID card or the original ID card of the agent; 2. Original vehicle registration certificate; 3. Copy of compulsory traffic insurance; 4. Proof of vehicle and vessel tax. In September 2018, the requirement for a cross-regional inspection authorization letter was abolished for inter-provincial vehicle inspections. Starting from September 2018, vehicles can undergo annual inspections in any city nationwide following the standard procedures.
I work in Shanghai but my car has a Jiangsu license plate. Last year, I got the annual inspection done directly at a local testing station, which was quite hassle-free. I brought the original vehicle license, the owner's ID card, and the compulsory insurance policy. The staff checked and said the national network was connected, so it could be processed. The whole process was simpler than expected, taking only half a day. However, I recommend making an appointment in advance through the WeChat public account to avoid long queues. Now, with many policy optimizations, migrant workers like me don’t need to make a special trip back to our hometowns. Keeping the car in good condition usually ensures a higher inspection pass rate.
Cross-province annual vehicle inspection is indeed possible, and let me detail the steps for you. First, find a local authorized inspection station, and remember to bring the vehicle's registration certificate, the owner's ID card (both copy and original), and a valid compulsory traffic insurance policy. Before going, it's best to call or check online to confirm that the station supports out-of-town vehicle inspections. Some places might have slightly more complicated procedures, but generally, there are no major obstacles. I recommend preparing electronic copies of your documents on your phone as a backup in case of unexpected situations. The entire process is similar to a local inspection, and the costs are generally the same. Don't worry about delays; with proper time planning, it usually takes about an hour to complete.
