How early can a vehicle be inspected?
2 Answers
Vehicle inspection can be conducted up to three months in advance. The owner of the motor vehicle may apply for the inspection compliance mark at the vehicle registration authority up to three months before the expiration of the vehicle inspection validity period. Before applying, the owner must resolve all traffic violations and accidents related to the vehicle. Vehicle inspection, also known as annual vehicle inspection, is a mandatory test for all vehicles that have obtained official license plates and registration certificates. It is equivalent to an annual physical examination for the vehicle according to the safety technical conditions for motor vehicle operation, aiming to promptly eliminate potential safety hazards, encourage enhanced vehicle maintenance, and reduce the occurrence of traffic accidents. The timing of the annual vehicle inspection is based on the date of license plate issuance, which often coincides with the expiration of the insurance policy. If the insurance policy is due to expire within 15 days, it is essential to renew the insurance before participating in the inspection.
As a new car owner who hasn't been driving for long, I also hesitated about how early to go for my annual vehicle inspection last year. After checking the information, I found that you can generally have the inspection done up to three months before the expiration date on the vehicle license. For example, if it expires in December, you can start the process in October. This helps avoid the year-end rush when inspection stations are less crowded, saving you from wasting time in queues. Remember to bring documents like the vehicle license and insurance policy, and do a simple check-up beforehand, such as inspecting the lights and brakes, to avoid having to make another trip if issues are found. My friend forgot to prepare in advance and had a broken light the week before expiration, rushing to get it fixed and then queuing, which delayed work. So, I recommend planning early—it's safer and more convenient. Don't wait until the last minute; if you forget and exceed the deadline, you could face a 200-yuan fine and possibly penalty points, which isn't worth it. Planning ahead yourself feels quite rewarding.
