How Early Should a Vehicle Inspection Be Scheduled?
2 Answers
Vehicle annual inspection should be applied for three months in advance. According to legal regulations, the owner of a motor vehicle may apply for an inspection compliance mark at the vehicle registration authority within three months before the expiration of the vehicle's inspection validity period. Before applying, the owner must resolve all traffic violations and accident liabilities associated with the vehicle. Below is additional information: Relevant regulations: Check whether the vehicle comes with a user manual, certificate of conformity (or import commodity inspection certificate for imported vehicles), and whether factory inspection marks on the vehicle body are complete. Measure the internal and external contour dimensions, as well as the wheelbase and axle track of the vehicle. Specific measurement items include vehicle length, width, height, cargo compartment sideboard height and area, wheelbase, axle track, etc. Conduct inspections item by item according to technical standards. Upon passing, fill out the "Initial Inspection and Modification Registration Form for Motor Vehicles," and record the curb weight, load capacity, passenger capacity, and number of occupants in the driver's cabin as specified by the manufacturer.
I've studied vehicle inspection scheduling, and there are significant differences based on the car's age: New cars are indeed exempt from on-site inspections for the first six years, but you must obtain an electronic label via the Traffic Management 12123 App every two years. After six years, you need to be cautious—from the seventh to ninth year, inspections are required every two years, and starting from the tenth year, you'll need to visit the inspection station annually. The latest you can complete the inspection is 30 days before the expiration date. For example, if your vehicle's registration shows an expiry date of September 2025, you should handle it between August and September. I recommend booking the inspection station about half a month in advance to avoid the end-of-month rush, which saves time. Commercial vehicles like trucks and operational vehicles face stricter rules, requiring annual inspections, so planning ahead is crucial. Once, a colleague was three days late and got fined 200 yuan with three penalty points—a huge loss.
