How early can vehicle annual inspection be processed?
2 Answers
Vehicle annual inspection can be processed 3 months in advance. For example, if the inspection validity period of a vehicle expires in September this year, then the annual inspection time for the motor vehicle would be from July 1st to September 30th of this year. There are many ways to check the annual inspection time. The most direct methods are to check the vehicle license and the electronic policy of compulsory traffic insurance, which contain the registration date of the motor vehicle. The registration month is the month when the motor vehicle's annual inspection is due. In addition, you can also directly observe the annual inspection sticker, which prints the validity period of the inspection. Notes for annual inspection: For vehicles that fail the annual inspection, repairs should be completed within a specified time limit. If the vehicle still fails after the deadline, the vehicle management office should confiscate its license plates and prohibit it from continuing to drive. Vehicles that do not participate in the annual inspection without reason or fail the inspection are not allowed to drive on the road or transfer ownership. Vehicles that meet the scrapping conditions or have exceeded the prescribed service life will not be inspected, and their license plates will be revoked, files deleted, and the vehicles scrapped.
I always keep vehicle annual inspection in mind every year. Last time I got it done almost three months in advance, which felt quite convenient—no last-minute rush before the deadline. Generally, most places allow handling it around 90 days ahead, but some cities like Beijing or Shanghai may adjust slightly earlier. Early preparation gives us ample time to check the car's condition—if lights are dim or brakes have issues, repairs can be done promptly, saving both money and hassle. I recommend visiting inspection stations during off-peak seasons, bringing the vehicle license and ID card, and don’t forget to check for traffic violations. Make it a habit to schedule an appointment one month ahead to reduce queuing time—safety first.
