Can Vehicle Inspection Be Conducted on Saturdays and Sundays?
3 Answers
Vehicle inspection cannot be conducted on Saturdays and Sundays as the vehicle management offices are closed on weekends. Generally, the working hours of vehicle management offices are from Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM and 1:30 PM to 5:00 PM (excluding statutory holidays). The vehicle inspection cycle is calculated from the date of vehicle registration, and the next inspection date will be clearly noted on the supplementary page of the driving license. Applications for inspection can be submitted within three months prior to the annual inspection date. Additionally, the 6-year exemption for new vehicles does not mean exemption from annual inspection; it refers to the exemption from the on-site inspection process at the testing station. Safety technical inspection schedule: Small and micro non-operational passenger vehicles must be inspected once every 2 years within the first 6 years; after 6 years, once every year; and after 15 years, twice every year. Operational passenger vehicles must be inspected once every year within the first 5 years; after 5 years, once every 6 months. Vehicle annual inspection time: The annual inspection time is determined based on the date of vehicle registration. For example, if the initial registration date on the driving license is June 2007, the annual inspection will be due every June. According to Article 40 of the newly revised "Regulations on the Registration of Motor Vehicles," the vehicle owner can apply for the inspection compliance mark at the local vehicle management office within three months before the expiration of the inspection validity period. This means that vehicles due for inspection in June can undergo the inspection in April, May, or June.
When I first bought my car last year, I was also curious about whether vehicle inspections were available on weekends. After checking around, I found that some local DMV offices or inspection stations, especially private ones, might offer appointments on Saturdays as they sometimes work overtime. However, most places are closed on Sundays since it's a public holiday. If you forget and your inspection expires, you might get fined if caught driving. I recommend checking the official website or WeChat public account of local inspection centers first—they usually post operating hours. Booking at least a week in advance saves unnecessary trips. Many places now have online reservation systems, which are quite convenient. The key is to ensure regular safety inspections and avoid last-minute rushes, which compromise safety and waste time.
I've been driving for decades and have plenty of experience with vehicle inspections. Saturday inspections are feasible, especially at larger testing stations in cities where they arrange weekend services for working professionals. Most places are closed on Sundays as the vehicle management office staff take their day off. I remember inspections were rarely available on weekends a few years ago, but the situation has improved somewhat now. It's best to call ahead or check online for specific addresses and times—local traffic police websites usually have detailed directories. If you're in a real hurry, private inspection stations might be more likely to accommodate you. But safety comes first; don't let your inspection lapse, as keeping your vehicle in good condition ensures safety on the road. With technological advancements these days, online booking makes the process much more convenient.
