Do items in the trunk need to be removed during vehicle inspection?
2 Answers
For annual inspections of household passenger vehicles, luggage inside the cabin and trunk does not need to be removed. Inspectors will briefly check the safety aspects of these items, but won't examine them thoroughly. Vehicle inspection refers to mandatory testing required for all registered vehicles with official license plates, equivalent to an annual physical examination conducted according to the "Technical Conditions for Motor Vehicle Operation Safety" to promptly eliminate potential safety hazards. Below are precautions regarding trunk contents: 1. Avoid flammable/explosive items: As an enclosed space, trunk temperatures rise rapidly. Storing lighters, hairspray or other flammable items during summer heat or long-distance travel may cause explosions with severe consequences. 2. Avoid valuables: Storing precious items, premium cigarettes or alcohol in the trunk is highly unsafe. Thieves are cunning - never leave valuables in your vehicle's trunk.
Whenever I encounter this issue, I can't help but reminisce about my old car. As a driver with over a decade of experience, my advice is to always empty the trunk before an inspection. During vehicle inspections, service stations often need to check the undercarriage or internal trunk structures. Too many items can obstruct visibility or interfere with tool operation. For instance, emission testing during annual inspections frequently requires lifting the rear cover to examine piping. If the trunk is packed with luggage, inspectors may ask you to partially or completely clear it out before proceeding. I once arrived for an inspection with three or four large boxes in my trunk and ended up wasting nearly half an hour moving them around. Not to mention potential hazards—flammable items could go unnoticed, posing risks. Even if small items like tool bags are left inside, it's advisable to remove heavy objects to maintain vehicle balance, preventing uneven weight distribution from affecting test accuracy. In short, taking a few minutes to organize the trunk beforehand ensures a smooth and safe inspection process—a true hassle-saving strategy.
