How Long Can a Vehicle Inspection Be Overdue?
3 Answers
Vehicle inspections cannot be postponed, and driving with an expired inspection is illegal. Below is relevant information about how long a vehicle inspection can be overdue: 1. Vehicle inspections are mandatory tests: an annual check-up for vehicles according to the "Technical Conditions for Motor Vehicle Operation Safety." Vehicle inspections help promptly eliminate safety hazards, encourage proper vehicle maintenance, and reduce the occurrence of traffic accidents. 2. Regulations on vehicle inspections: Motor vehicles must undergo safety technical inspections within the following periods from the date of registration. For passenger vehicles used in commercial operations: once a year within the first 5 years; every 6 months after 5 years. For trucks and large or medium-sized non-commercial passenger vehicles: once a year within the first 10 years; every 6 months after 10 years. For small and mini non-commercial passenger vehicles: once every 2 years within the first 6 years; once a year after 6 years; every 6 months after 15 years.
Once a vehicle inspection is overdue, problems can theoretically arise the very same day. Legally speaking, once the inspection date has passed, the vehicle no longer has the legal right to be on the road. In many places, especially city centers, traffic police enforce strict checks—you might get lucky and avoid detection for a couple of days, but the risk increases significantly after a week. I’ve handled similar cases myself: if caught after the deadline, you could face a fine of several hundred dollars plus demerit points. If the inspection is overdue by more than a month, the vehicle might be impounded, rendering it undrivable. It’s not just about the fine—your insurance premiums could go up, and you’d bear greater liability in case of an accident. My advice is to get the inspection done immediately if overdue; don’t gamble on luck to avoid escalating troubles. Remember, safe and legal driving is the only right path—the longer you delay, the worse the consequences.
The main trouble caused by overdue vehicle inspection is safety hazards. The purpose of inspection is to check whether key components such as brakes and lights are functioning properly. Even one day overdue could potentially create risks. I've seen data showing a significant increase in accident rates for overdue vehicles. If delayed for over a month, more hazards accumulate—issues like unstable tire pressure or engine problems could lead to loss of control. From personal experience, the habit of delaying inspections is very dangerous. Don't think a few days overdue won't matter—schedule maintenance promptly. After overdue, vehicle condition deteriorates, repair costs rise, affecting driving experience and endangering others. Safety first—taking early action is absolutely wise.
