Does a Non-Functioning High-Mount Stop Light Affect Annual Inspection?

[VanHope]

A non-functioning high-mount stop light will definitely cause the vehicle to fail the annual inspection. It must be repaired before passing the inspection. This is because the high-mount stop light is categorized as one of the vehicle's lighting components. According to national regulations, motor vehicles must periodically pass inspections covering exhaust emissions, exterior appearance, lighting systems, brakes, chassis, etc., and must have no traffic violation records to receive the inspection compliance certificate. Below is relevant information: 1. The high-mount stop light is designed to allow vehicles behind to accurately detect braking actions, thereby reducing the probability of rear-end collisions. 2. A non-functioning high-mount stop light can be particularly hazardous for trucks or buses with high chassis. Even if the vehicle still has two working brake lights, they may be difficult to see clearly (due to angle issues), significantly increasing the risk of rear-end collisions. Therefore, it is crucial to promptly repair the high-mount stop light to avoid unnecessary accidents.

[StAbigail]

Last time my high-mounted brake light was broken, and I got stuck during the annual inspection. The inspector said the high-mounted brake light is part of the braking system, and the inspection standards require all lights to be functioning properly, including turn signals, headlights, and this centrally located brake light. If it doesn’t work, the inspection will be failed on the spot—just think about it, if the car behind can’t see your brake signal, it’s a major safety hazard. You’ll have to get it fixed and queue up again for inspection, wasting time and spending extra money. I later replaced the bulb, and it was solved at a cost of just a few dozen bucks. Usually, check your lights before driving, and have them inspected during regular maintenance to avoid small issues becoming big troubles. If you’re unsure about the repair, ask a mechanic to take a look to avoid last-minute panic. Safety first—don’t let this affect your travel plans.

[VanAyla]

As someone who frequently works on cars, a non-functional high-mounted brake light will definitely affect your annual inspection. During the inspection, lighting is a mandatory check item. If the high-mounted light isn't working, it's considered a fail because it's not just decoration—it's a safety component. I once encountered this situation where the wiring was broken, and after checking, I found out it was just a blown fuse. Fixing it isn't expensive, just a few dozen yuan. But if you delay repairs, failing the inspection could mean paying re-inspection fees or even fines. I recommend first checking if the bulb is worn out, or have someone help you check by pressing the brake while starting the car. Address the issue promptly to ensure driving safety. Remember, don't take lighting issues lightly—fixing them early saves trouble later.

[SanLucille]

The high-mounted brake light not working must be addressed as it will affect the annual inspection. Regulations require all lights to function properly, and the high-mounted light is a core component of the brake signal. If it doesn't work, it endangers driving safety, and inspectors will directly reject the vehicle. I've seen a neighbor waste extra money because of this issue. Simply replace the bulb or repair the wiring promptly—don't delay.