How early can a vehicle undergo its six-year inspection?
3 Answers
Vehicle six-year inspection can be performed up to 90 days in advance. According to the motor vehicle registration regulations, the owner can apply for the inspection compliance mark at the vehicle management office in the registration location within three months before the expiration of the current inspection validity period. If a vehicle fails to undergo the annual inspection on time and continues to be driven on the road, it will be subject to fines and may be temporarily impounded. Moreover, if an accident occurs during this period, the insurance company will not provide compensation. Before the annual inspection, the vehicle owner should prepare relevant documents, including the original vehicle license, duplicate of the compulsory traffic insurance, copy of ID card, and the vehicle itself. If it is a company vehicle, the agent's information should also be prepared.
My car reached its sixth-year inspection deadline last year, and I got it done a full three months in advance. The whole process went smoothly. I suggest you arrange it early too, don’t wait until the last minute, because inspection stations can get really crowded, and you might even miss your slot. Prepare in advance by checking things like lights and tire tread depth, so minor issues don’t hold you up. It’s best to get it done within the three months before the expiry date—that way, you’ll have time for repairs and avoid penalties for overdue inspections. Remember, the 90-day window beforehand is acceptable, but don’t drive past the expiry date, or you could face fines and points if caught.
At the repair shop, we often encounter car owners handling their vehicle inspections. I recommend doing the six-year inspection about three months in advance, and definitely don't let it expire. Driving beyond the validity period, if caught, will result in direct points deduction and fines, which is not worth it. Going early allows for thorough preparation—check if the brake pads, headlights, etc., are functioning properly. If any minor issues are found, they can be fixed promptly, ensuring the inspection is passed in one go, saving time and hassle. The three-month window is quite flexible, so there's no need to cram it into the last few days before the deadline. The inspection mainly checks engine exhaust emissions, lighting systems, etc., and if everything meets the standards, you'll get the pass sticker on the spot.
