Do I need to go to the vehicle management office for annual inspection?
3 Answers
Annual inspection requires going to the vehicle management office. Vehicle annual inspection schedule: For passenger cars and blue license plate minivans, within the first six years after new vehicle registration, inspection is required every two years; after six years, annual inspection is required; after ten years, inspection is required once a year; after fifteen years, inspection is required twice a year. For trucks, annual inspection is required after registration, and after ten years, inspection is required twice a year. Vehicle annual inspection regulations: If a vehicle is found by traffic police on the road without annual inspection, the owner will be fined or the vehicle will be impounded. At the same time, in the insurance contract, vehicles that have not undergone timely annual inspection are considered unqualified, and once a car accident occurs, no claims will be processed.
Last year when I handled my vehicle annual inspection, I found the current policies much more convenient – you don’t necessarily have to visit the DMV. In the suburban area where I live, there are several inspection stations designated by the traffic bureau nearby. I booked a time slot in advance via the official WeChat account, drove there, and queued directly for the inspection. The whole process took about 40 minutes. The staff carefully checked the braking system, headlight brightness, exhaust emissions, and other items, with the report directly archived electronically. This saved much more time and effort compared to making a special trip to the DMV, especially for working professionals who avoid taking leave. The cost was reasonable too, around 180 yuan, and most importantly, it ensured the vehicle’s safety condition. I recommend new drivers familiarize themselves with the locations of locally certified inspection points in advance. Some places even allow checking real-time queue status at stations via apps, which is very smart. Before the annual inspection, remember to check tire wear and light brightness yourself to prevent minor issues causing rework – after all, road safety is a matter of life safety.
From my professional experience, I know that vehicle annual inspections don't necessarily have to be done at the DMV. There are now many government-authorized inspection stations widely distributed. I usually advise clients to directly find certified stations listed on the official traffic management website and get it done nearby. These places are fully equipped and specialize in checking basic safety indicators like emissions and braking effectiveness, with highly standardized procedures. DMVs often have large crowds and lower efficiency compared to these dedicated inspection points. Before the annual inspection, it's best to check if the lights are working properly and if the tire pressure is appropriate to increase the chance of passing on the first try. The cost is generally between 150-200 yuan, and if there are vehicle faults, they provide repair recommendations. Timely annual inspections can prevent fines and accidents—I've seen too many safety hazards caused by delays. Find a convenient time to make an appointment and don't delay this matter.
