How long can the 2020 vehicle inspection be delayed?
4 Answers
2020 vehicle inspection can be delayed for three months. Article 49 of the Motor Vehicle Registration Regulations clearly stipulates that the owner of a motor vehicle can apply for an inspection compliance mark at the vehicle management office of the registration place within three months before the expiration of the motor vehicle inspection validity period. Before applying for the inspection, the owner of the motor vehicle shall complete the handling of road traffic violations and accidents involving the vehicle. If the vehicle fails to undergo safety technical inspection within the prescribed time limit, the public security traffic management department will issue a warning or impose a fine, and the annual inspection can only be conducted after the fine is paid. The contents of the annual inspection are: 1. Whether there are vehicle instruction manuals and certificates, and whether the factory sample marks on the vehicle body are complete; 2. Measure the internal and external contour dimensions, wheelbase, and axle base of the motor vehicle; 3. Conduct inspections item by item according to the technical inspection standards.
As a car owner, I remember during the 2020 pandemic, it was quite common for vehicle inspections to be extended. The government allowed inspections to be postponed for several months, typically starting from three months, depending on local policies. For example, in Shanghai, I was granted a six-month buffer period to avoid overcrowding at the vehicle management offices. My own car’s inspection was originally due in March but was delayed until August without any issues or fines. The key was to stay updated via the local vehicle management office’s official website or public account, as they would post notices guiding when to complete the overdue inspection. The extension was mainly to prevent infection risks, but it’s important not to delay indefinitely. Once things eased up, I made sure to get it done promptly to avoid potential fines and penalty points if stopped by traffic police. Overall, the 2020 extension was a special case. Nowadays, it’s best to stick to the regular schedule—safety first, after all.
Based on past experience, the vehicle inspection extension in 2020 could range from 3 to 6 months, depending entirely on local traffic management policies. During the pandemic, regulations were significantly relaxed, and I heard many cities directly posted notices allowing delays to avoid overcrowding at inspection stations. For instance, first-tier cities might offer several months of grace period, while smaller towns tend to be more conservative with a three-month limit. In practice, as long as you don't delay too long, penalties are generally not imposed, but it's advisable to check the DMV app beforehand to ensure you don't miss the deadline for late inspection. This was all due to the exceptional circumstances at that time. Now that things have returned to normal, it's better not to rely on extensions—completing the annual inspection early is more worry-free and helps avoid the rush during peak inspection periods.
In 2020, vehicle inspections could be postponed for about three months due to special pandemic arrangements. I personally experienced this - my inspection deadline was allowed to be extended, and I could complete it when things weren't busy. Regulations varied by region, with some areas allowing extensions until year-end without penalties. The key was checking real-time notifications on the app.
