How Early Can the Annual Inspection Sticker Be Collected?
4 Answers
The annual inspection sticker can be collected three months in advance. Below are details related to annual inspections: 1. According to Article 16 of the "Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China," motor vehicles must undergo safety technical inspections within the following periods from the date of registration: Passenger vehicles for commercial use must be inspected once a year within the first 5 years; after 5 years, they must be inspected every 6 months. 2. Trucks and large or medium-sized non-commercial passenger vehicles must be inspected once a year within the first 10 years; after 10 years, they must be inspected every 6 months. Small and mini non-commercial passenger vehicles must be inspected once every 2 years within the first 6 years; after 6 years, they must be inspected once a year; after 15 years, they must be inspected every 6 months. 3. Motorcycles must be inspected once every 2 years within the first 4 years; after 4 years, they must be inspected once a year. Tractors and other motor vehicles must be inspected once a year.
I just got my car's annual inspection done, so I'm quite familiar with this. Actually, you can apply for it within three months before the expiration date. For example, if your inspection sticker expires at the end of September, you can apply for a new one after July 1st. There's quite a bit of leeway time-wise. My neighbor went to get theirs done 80 days before the expiration date last week. However, I recommend not waiting until the last minute, as some inspection stations can have very long queues when they're busy. Remember to bring your vehicle license, ID card, and a copy of the compulsory traffic insurance policy. In most cities now, you can get the new sticker on the spot. If your car's windshield doesn't have space for the new sticker due to modifications, make sure to ask the staff for a static cling sticker.
Last month, I accompanied a friend to the vehicle inspection station, and he went 75 days in advance without any issues. According to regulations, you can apply for a new inspection sticker up to 90 days in advance, which provides a lot of convenience for car owners. However, it's important to note that if the vehicle has unresolved violations, it won't be possible—my friend once made a wasted trip because of this. Nowadays, the Traffic Management 12123 APP can also check the specific time; just enter the license plate to see from which day you can proceed with the inspection. Getting the new sticker in advance doesn't affect the usage cycle at all, as the validity period of the new sticker extends from the expiration date of the old one.
Personal experience tells you that a three-month window is more than enough. My car's annual inspection was due in October, but I got it renewed on the first working day of July. Preparing the materials was simple: the original vehicle license, ID card, and a valid compulsory traffic insurance policy. Nowadays, they hardly ever ask for photocopies. The whole process took just half an hour, and the new sticker comes with an adhesive static cling. Note that vehicles exempt from inspection within six years can now apply online, but after six years, they must go through the inspection line. Getting it done early is especially suitable for working professionals like us, avoiding the need to take leave at the end of the month.
