Do I need to go in person for the annual inspection of a sedan?
2 Answers
You do not need to go in person for the annual inspection of a sedan. Introduction to annual inspection: Vehicle inspection includes three types: vehicle safety technical inspection, vehicle emission inspection, and comprehensive vehicle performance inspection. Annual inspection, also known as annual check, refers to the safety inspection of a car conducted annually or biennially. It includes a comprehensive examination of components such as the horn, brakes, axle weight, chassis, ignition system, lighting system, exhaust system, and license plate installation. Annual inspection process: Upon arrival at the inspection station, the first step is the exterior inspection. The owner needs to park the vehicle in the designated inspection area, prepare the fire extinguisher and triangular warning sign, open the engine compartment and trunk, and wait for the staff to conduct the inspection. After payment, the owner must submit their ID card and vehicle registration certificate to the staff, who will then enter the vehicle's annual inspection information into the system. Once these steps are completed, the owner can take the form and wait for the online inspection. If the online inspection is passed, the owner can proceed to the final inspection office to complete the last procedures.
Having driven for over a decade, I believe that in most cases, you don't need to personally handle the annual vehicle inspection for sedans. You can easily delegate this task to others, such as having family or friends bring your vehicle license, ID card copy, and insurance policy to the inspection station. Here in Shanghai, I often ask my long-time neighbors for help, and the inspection station only charges an inspection fee to get it done. However, for the first inspection, I recommend experiencing it yourself to understand the process, as the staff will check items like brakes, lights, and exhaust emissions. If any issues arise, you can address them promptly to avoid rework after delegation. Additionally, scheduling an inspection in advance to avoid peak hours can save time—don’t wait until the end of the month to rush. Remember to prepare a simple authorization letter when delegating to prevent misunderstandings. Failing the annual inspection not only results in fines but also affects insurance renewal. Regular vehicle maintenance ensures a smooth pass.
