Can vehicles undergo annual inspection in a different location?
2 Answers
Vehicles can undergo annual inspection in a different location. The country has fully implemented cross-province annual inspection for small cars, trucks, and medium-sized buses. Applicants can directly apply for and receive the inspection qualification mark in provinces other than the vehicle registration location without needing to go through the entrusted inspection procedure. Large passenger vehicles and school buses cannot be inspected in a different location and must return to the vehicle registration location for inspection. For vehicles exempt from inspection for 6 years, the owner needs to go to the vehicle management office where the vehicle is registered to apply for and receive the annual inspection mark. These exempt vehicles only need to apply for the annual inspection mark every two years. Additionally, the online application function for annual inspection is now available. Vehicles that meet the 6-year exemption requirements can apply through the comprehensive traffic safety service management platform.
Recently, I often travel to other cities for work, and I had my car inspected at a local inspection station in another city without any issues. The policy has been unified nationwide for a long time. Just prepare the vehicle registration certificate, insurance policy, and a copy of your ID card, and go to the inspection station designated by the local vehicle management office. Last time, I did it in Shenzhen, which was even more convenient than going back to my hometown—no need to queue or make an appointment. However, be aware that environmental standards may vary slightly from place to place. For example, big cities might have stricter emissions checks, so confirm in advance to avoid a wasted trip. The whole process takes only about one or two hours, and the cost is similar, saving the hassle of long-distance travel—it’s really practical.
