Can Vehicle Annual Inspection Be Done in Advance?
2 Answers
Vehicle annual inspection can only be conducted in advance and must not be overdue. The annual inspection can be performed up to three months in advance. For example, if a vehicle's inspection validity expires in September of this year, the annual inspection period would be from July 1st to September 30th of the same year. There are several ways to check the annual inspection date. The most straightforward methods are to refer to the vehicle's registration certificate and the electronic policy of compulsory traffic insurance, both of which display the vehicle's registration date. The registration month indicates the month when the annual inspection is due. Additionally, you can directly check the annual inspection sticker, which clearly states the validity period of the inspection. Important notes regarding annual inspection: Vehicles that fail the annual inspection must be repaired within a specified time limit. If they still fail after the deadline, the vehicle management office will confiscate their license plates and prohibit further operation. Vehicles that do not undergo the inspection without valid reasons or fail the inspection are not allowed to be driven on the road or transferred to another jurisdiction. Vehicles that meet the scrapping criteria or have exceeded the prescribed service life will not be inspected. Their license plates will be revoked, records will be canceled, and the vehicles will be scrapped.
I've been driving for over ten years and always get my annual vehicle inspection done a month early—it saves time and hassle. You can process the inspection within 30 days before its expiry date. If delayed past the deadline, you may face a 200-yuan fine and potential insurance claim issues. Early inspection has many benefits: fewer crowds at testing stations mean shorter queues, and checks cover brakes, lights, and emissions to ensure road safety. If any issues arise, you have time for repairs. I recommend booking via a mobile app and bringing your vehicle license and ID card. Once, I nearly missed the deadline and rushed in panic, ending up fined—a hard lesson. Developing the habit of early inspection avoids trouble and keeps your car safely on the road longer.
