Does the vehicle annual inspection validity period until August include the entire month?
4 Answers
Vehicle annual inspection validity period until August includes the entire month. Annual inspection document preparation: Drivers need to prepare the original ID card, original vehicle license and their respective copies, as well as the original insurance policy and vehicle and vessel tax certificate. Annual inspection self-check: Check online to see if there are any traffic violation records. If there are any unprocessed traffic violation records, they need to be dealt with first. Annual inspection filing: The driver should bring the annual inspection form, vehicle license, vehicle inspection result form, and vehicle inspection certificate to the vehicle management office in the jurisdiction where the vehicle is registered for filing. Typically, the entire vehicle license inspection process takes about three hours.
I remember last year my car's annual inspection also had an August deadline. I specifically went to the DMV window to confirm, and the staff said the validity period includes the entire month of August, meaning as long as it's completed by August 31st, it's considered on time. However, they recommended doing it at least two weeks in advance. When I went to the inspection station on August 20th, I waited in line for two hours, while a colleague who went at the end of the month was directly told that the schedule was fully booked. Here's a little tip: remember to check for any traffic violations before the annual inspection. Last time, the guy in front of me in line had to leave empty-handed because he hadn't dealt with his violations. Checking items like vehicle lights and brakes yourself in advance can save a lot of time.
Last time when I was at the repair shop for maintenance, I chatted with the technician about this. He has been handling annual inspections for clients for over ten years and clearly stated that the August printed on the vehicle license is valid until the last day of the month. However, he mentioned that the latter half of August is particularly prone to unexpected equipment maintenance or system upgrades during inspections, so he advised trying to get it done before the 15th. Also, for new vehicles exempt from inspection for six years, it's important to apply for the electronic label on the 12123 app. Failing to upload the compulsory traffic insurance information on time will result in the vehicle being listed as uninspected. I almost forgot once, but luckily there was an automatic reminder.
Both of my cars have their annual inspections in August. I specifically consulted the traffic police two years ago, and they explained that the validity period is based on the calendar month concept, meaning inspections conducted between August 1st and 31st are not considered overdue. However, the traffic police warned that penalties for overdue inspections are quite severe: driving just one day past the deadline results in a 3-point deduction and a 200-yuan fine, and if an accident occurs, insurance will outright refuse to cover it. Some cities now offer nighttime inspection services. I went to the inspection station at 7 PM last Thursday and finished in half an hour, which was much more convenient than dealing with the weekend crowds. Remember to bring a fire extinguisher and a warning triangle, and for new energy vehicles, a battery safety report is also required.
