Can Vehicle Inspection Be Conducted in Another Location?
3 Answers
Except for large passenger buses and school buses which cannot undergo inspection in another location, all other vehicles can be inspected in a different location. Currently, the traffic management authorities have fully implemented cross-provincial inspection for small cars, trucks, and medium-sized buses. Applicants can directly conduct inspections in provinces other than where the vehicle is registered and obtain the inspection compliance mark without needing to go through the delegated inspection procedure. Large passenger buses and school buses cannot be inspected in another location and must return to the vehicle's registration location for inspection. Vehicle inspection time requirements: Small and micro non-operational passenger vehicles are exempt from inspection for the first 6 years. After 6 years but less than 10 years, inspection is required every two years; after 10 years but less than 15 years, annual inspection is required; after 15 years, inspection is required every 6 months. Operational passenger vehicles require annual inspection within the first 5 years; after 5 years, inspection is required every 6 months. Trucks and large and medium non-operational passenger vehicles require annual inspection within the first 10 years; after 10 years, inspection is required every 6 months. Imported vehicles, like other vehicle types, can undergo regular inspection at any inspection station. Notes for vehicle inspection: Vehicles that fail 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 driving. Vehicles that do not undergo inspection without reason or fail inspection are not allowed to drive on the road or transfer registration. Vehicles that meet the scrapping conditions or exceed the specified service life will not be inspected, and their license plates will be revoked, their files canceled, and they will be scrapped.
As a veteran driver who has been working in another province for a long time, I think this issue is quite common. I've personally handled annual inspections in different locations several times. It's completely doable now, as the policy supports nationwide inspections without needing to return to the registration location. The key is to bring all the required documents: vehicle license, ID card, and compulsory insurance policy, then go directly to the local designated inspection station. They will check items like lights, brakes, and emissions, and the whole process usually takes about an hour. The advantage is saving time and travel expenses, which is especially suitable for people like us who frequently travel for work. Remember to check the address and business hours of nearby inspection stations online in advance, as some places offer mobile appointments for faster service. If your vehicle has any warning lights on, it's recommended to fix them first to avoid unnecessary hassle. In short, go ahead with confidence and don't worry about the inconvenience of being in a different location.
I currently work in Shanghai, and my car is registered in my hometown Hubei. Last week, I just had my annual vehicle inspection done in a different location, and it was super convenient. I simply brought my vehicle license, ID card, and compulsory insurance policy to a nearby inspection station. The process was quick: queuing for registration, on-site checks for lights and brakes, and receiving the new inspection sticker after passing. The nationwide network allows data to be shared directly, eliminating the need to return to the original registration location. I used an APP to make an appointment, saving a lot of time, and the system automatically records the pass. By the way, maintaining proper tire pressure and keeping headlights clean can help you pass the inspection in one go. Handling this matter easily even when away from home really makes life easier. Next time you try it, just make sure to bring all the required documents.
