How long can a car go without annual inspection before it becomes ineligible?

[VonHarrison]

Private cars cannot be inspected if they have not undergone an annual inspection for three years. According to the "Regulations on the Mandatory Scrapping Standards for Motor Vehicles," if a vehicle fails to obtain an inspection compliance mark for three consecutive inspection cycles after the expiration of its inspection validity period, it must be mandatorily scrapped. The service life for various types of motor vehicles is as follows: (1) Small and micro rental passenger vehicles: 8 years; medium rental passenger vehicles: 10 years; large rental passenger vehicles: 12 years. (2) Rental passenger vehicles: 15 years. (3) Small coaching passenger vehicles: 10 years; medium coaching passenger vehicles: 12 years; large coaching passenger vehicles: 15 years. (4) Public transport passenger vehicles: 13 years. (5) Other small and micro commercial passenger vehicles: 10 years; large and medium commercial passenger vehicles: 15 years. (6) Special school buses: 15 years. (7) Large and medium non-commercial passenger vehicles (excluding large sedans): 20 years. (8) Three-wheeled vehicles and low-speed trucks with single-cylinder engines: 9 years; other trucks (including semi-trailer tractors and full-trailer tractors): 15 years. (9) Special-purpose vehicles with cargo functions: 15 years; special-purpose vehicles without cargo functions: 30 years. (10) Full trailers and semi-trailers for hazardous goods transport: 10 years; container semi-trailers: 20 years; other semi-trailers: 15 years. (11) Three-wheeled motorcycles: 12 years; other motorcycles: 13 years.

[VanJoshua]

I've experienced the issue of overdue vehicle inspection. Previously, I was so busy with work that I forgot about the annual inspection, delaying it for three or four months. I was stopped by traffic police once, fined several hundred yuan, and had points deducted. From experience, there's usually a risk if the inspection is overdue by more than 15 days. Exceeding three months is considered a serious overdue inspection, requiring a fine to be paid before the inspection can proceed. If delayed for over a year, in many places, you can't directly proceed with the annual inspection; you have to go to the vehicle management office to complete cancellation procedures and redo the inspection process. Not only is it time-consuming and costly, but you might also need to repair the vehicle. It's really better to go for the inspection on time. Setting a reminder for the annual inspection date each year can save you from regretting it like I did.

[LeLila]

From my perspective, as someone who frequently deals with car repairs, I often see cases of overdue inspections. If a vehicle fails its inspection on time, there's only a warning for the first month, but after three months, things get really troublesome. Not only are there late fees, but points are also deducted from the driver's license. If it's over a year, the car is basically considered scrapped and can't undergo the annual inspection at all; you'd have to start the process from scratch. I recommend that car owners check their insurance promptly and not wait until an accident happens to panic. Developing a habit of regular maintenance can prevent major issues. After all, the longer you delay dealing with problems, the more money it will cost you.

[LaLola]

Exceeding the inspection deadline for too long is definitely not acceptable. According to regulations, there's no penalty if it's within 15 days overdue, but you must complete the inspection and pay a fine if it's within three months. After exceeding one year, the vehicle will be automatically deregistered and can no longer undergo annual inspection—it must be re-registered or scrapped. Don't take chances with this; if you discover your inspection is overdue, address it immediately to avoid greater losses later. Remembering your annual inspection date is crucial.

[LeEverly]

Driving a car with overdue inspection is extremely dangerous. I've personally driven an old car overdue for inspection for over half a year, and the brakes would squeak on bumpy roads. If the overdue period extends beyond a year, poor technical conditions could potentially lead to accidents. If caught by the police, you'll face point deductions and hefty fines, and even lose the qualification for annual inspection, requiring special approval. I often remind my friends to get their vehicles regularly inspected for safety, because after all, life is more important than money.