Can Vehicle Annual Inspection Be Conducted in Another Location?
3 Answers
Vehicle annual inspection regulations are divided into two parts: exemption scope and inspection cycle. Below are the specific details of the vehicle annual inspection regulations: Exemption Scope: The exemption scope for motor vehicles has been expanded from non-operational small and mini passenger vehicles with 6 seats or fewer within 6 years to those with 7-9 seats. This means that after November 20th, non-operational small and mini passenger vehicles with 7-9 seats that are less than 6 years old can enjoy the exemption policy. Inspection Cycle: Exempt vehicles can skip on-site inspections for the first 6 years, only requiring formalities every two years. From 6 to 10 years, an annual inspection is required. The new regulations indicate that the inspection cycle for private vehicles remains unchanged for the first 6 years, while vehicles aged 6-10 years will change from an annual inspection to a biennial inspection. This means exempt vehicles will have a biennial inspection within 10 years, but only the 6th and 8th years require on-site inspections.
I used to encounter this situation frequently - my car was registered in my hometown, but I often worked in other cities and couldn't go back for annual inspection. Later I learned that national policies had changed long ago. Since 2019, the system has been nationwide networked, allowing direct processing of annual inspections in different locations. I've done it several times directly at testing stations in my business trip locations - super convenient. Just bring the vehicle license, ID card, and compulsory traffic insurance certificate - they can check all vehicle information in their system. Costs may vary slightly between locations, but all within reasonable range, like 200-300 RMB to get it done. Off-site annual inspection saves so much trouble, no need to take leave or travel back and forth. Most importantly, the inspection process is just as strict as in my hometown, ensuring road safety. However, I recommend checking the local testing station address and business hours in advance to avoid wasted trips, and also confirm there are no traffic violation records for the vehicle.
When I first bought my car, I was worried about having to return to my hometown for the annual inspection. Later, a friend reminded me that now I can get it done in another city. This is because the national vehicle inspection system is now unified and connected online. When car owners are working or living in another city, they can simply find a nearby inspection station. I personally experienced it—just bring the necessary documents like the vehicle license and insurance policy, and the process is quite fast, usually finished in about half an hour. The cost may vary slightly from place to place, but overall, it's not much different from the local price. The biggest advantage of getting the annual inspection done in another city is saving time and effort, which is super practical for working professionals. It's also important to keep up with basic vehicle maintenance to avoid any malfunctions during the inspection. Remember to choose a legitimate inspection station to avoid being scammed.
