How early can a vehicle undergo its annual inspection?
2 Answers
Vehicles can undergo their annual inspection up to three months in advance. Regulations on annual inspection: According to Article 70 of the 'Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driving Licenses': Motor vehicle drivers shall, in accordance with the provisions of laws and administrative regulations, regularly undergo inspection at the traffic management department of the public security authorities. When motor vehicle drivers renew their driving licenses in accordance with Articles 57 and 58 of these regulations, they shall undergo inspection by the traffic management department of the public security authorities. Points to note for annual inspection: Inspection will not be approved if there are outstanding traffic violations or accidents, if the driver's physical condition does not meet the licensing requirements, or if the driver has not participated in the required study, education, and examinations as stipulated.
From my 15 years of driving experience, vehicle annual inspections can usually be processed 1-3 months in advance, depending on local traffic policy arrangements. For example, in most cities, you can easily get your car inspected at the testing station two months ahead, avoiding the hassle of long queues near the expiration date. I tried going early once—fewer people meant faster processing, saving me a lot of time. If the inspection expires, you might face fines of a few hundred yuan, and it could affect your insurance, which really isn’t worth it. Another benefit of doing it early is checking functions like brakes and headlights in advance, fixing any issues promptly to ensure road safety. I always remind myself to bring the vehicle registration, ID card, and previous inspection documents to avoid unnecessary trips. Keeping your car well-maintained brings peace of mind—early planning is key, so don’t wait until the last minute.
