Can Vehicle Annual Inspection Be Done on Weekends?
3 Answers
Vehicle annual inspection can be done on weekends. According to Article 15 of the "Opinions on Strengthening and Improving Motor Vehicle Inspection Work": Inspection institutions should implement an uninterrupted system on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, providing extended inspection services. Contents of the annual inspection: Check whether the engine, chassis, body, and their auxiliary equipment are clean, complete, and effective; whether the paint surface is uniform and aesthetically pleasing; whether the main assemblies have been replaced; and whether they match the initial inspection records. Inspect whether the vehicle's braking performance, steering control, lights, exhaust, and other safety performance meet the requirements of the "Technical Conditions for Safe Operation of Motor Vehicles." Check whether the vehicle has been modified, remodeled, or altered; whether the driving license, license plate, and all vehicle file registrations match the actual condition of the vehicle; whether there are any changes; and whether approval and modification procedures have been completed. Check whether the license plate, driving license, and enlarged license plate markings on the vehicle are damaged, altered, or illegible, and whether they need to be replaced. For large vehicles, check whether the unit name or the name of the street, township, or town where the vehicle is located and the maximum seating capacity in the driver's compartment are spray-painted in Chinese imitation Song font on both sides of the door as required. For trucks, check whether the rear tailgate (including the rear tailgate of the trailer) is spray-painted with the vehicle number enlarged 2~3 times as required; for individual or joint-operation vehicles, check whether the word "individual" is spray-painted on both sides of the door. The writing must be clear, and unit codes or other patterns are not allowed (special cases require approval from the vehicle management office).
As someone who frequently helps friends with car-related matters, I know whether weekend vehicle inspections are available depends on the specific region. When I lived in Beijing, I found authorized inspection stations like the Zhongguancun Vehicle Management Center were open on weekends, which was super convenient for office workers to avoid taking time off during weekdays. But you need to make an appointment online or by phone in advance to avoid a wasted trip. There might be a crowd on weekends, so I recommend going early in the morning to queue up, and bringing your vehicle license, insurance policy, and photocopies of your ID. If your car has any unresolved traffic violations, remember to settle them first, otherwise, you won't pass the inspection. I also suggest checking the tires, lights, etc., before the inspection to save time by passing in one go. Overall, modern city services are becoming more considerate, but remote areas might still only offer inspections from Monday to Friday.
With over 20 years of driving experience, I've learned that whether vehicle inspections are available on weekends really depends on the location. In the early days, they were only open Monday to Friday, but now many places like my hometown Shenzhen have inspection stations operating on Saturdays, which is convenient for working people. It's best to check the local vehicle management office's WeChat public account or APP, where you can find real-time business hours and appointment slots. Before going, wash your car, replace old wipers, and ensure the brakes are functioning properly to avoid wasting time on re-inspection. Weekends tend to be crowded, with average wait times starting from an hour, so it's better to choose a less busy weekday if possible. Don't forget to bring all necessary documents; chatting with neighbors, I often hear about people making wasted trips because they forgot their insurance policy—what a hassle. In the end, it's wise to diligently search online for local policies to be on the safe side.
