Does a non-functioning fog light affect the annual inspection?
3 Answers
A non-functioning fog light will fail the annual inspection: 1. The annual inspection checks the performance of the vehicle's lights, so a non-functioning fog light will affect the inspection. The annual vehicle inspection is a mandatory test for all vehicles that have obtained official license plates and registration certificates, equivalent to an annual physical examination for the vehicle according to the "Technical Conditions for Motor Vehicle Operation Safety." 2. Below is relevant information about the annual inspection content: (1) Check whether the engine, chassis, body, and their accessories are clean, complete, and functional, whether the paint is uniform and aesthetically pleasing, whether major assemblies have been replaced, and whether they match the initial inspection records. (2) Test whether the vehicle's braking performance, steering control, lights, exhaust, and other safety features comply with the requirements of the "Technical Conditions for Motor Vehicle Safety Operation." (3) Check whether the vehicle has been modified, altered, or transformed, and verify the registration certificate and license plate.
As someone who has driven many cars, I know that non-functioning fog lights can indeed affect the annual inspection. During the inspection, the examiner will rigorously test all exterior lights, including fog lights, as they are crucial for safety in adverse weather conditions. If your fog lights are completely non-operational, it will typically be marked as a failure, causing you to fail the inspection. Fixing the issue is usually not complicated—most often, it's a burnt-out bulb or a blown fuse. I recommend visiting a professional auto repair shop beforehand to get it fixed, and then proceed with the inspection for a smooth pass. Remember, lighting issues account for a significant portion of inspection failures, so addressing them early saves both hassle and ensures safety. Don’t delay the inspection over such a minor issue.
I remember last year my fog lights suddenly stopped working, and I was worried it might cause issues during the annual inspection. Later, I learned that lighting is a mandatory inspection item, and if the fog lights fail, the inspector definitely won’t let it pass because they are crucial for visibility in rainy or foggy conditions. I quickly asked a friend to take a look, and sure enough, it was just a blown fuse. A small expense to replace it fixed the problem. This experience taught me that paying attention to vehicle details before the annual inspection is important. Fog lights may seem insignificant, but once lit, they can be a big help. It’s also good to check for loose connections or bulb lifespan beforehand.
