How long can the annual inspection be delayed?
2 Answers
Annual inspection time cannot be delayed, but it can be conducted in advance. The inspection schedule is determined based on the vehicle's initial registration date. According to relevant regulations, vehicle owners can apply for inspection and obtain the inspection compliance mark at the local vehicle management office up to three months before the expiration of the current inspection period. Small and micro non-operational passenger vehicles are exempt from on-site inspection for the first 6 years, requiring biennial checks. After 6 years, annual inspections are required. Operational passenger vehicles require annual inspections within the first 5 years, switching to semi-annual inspections thereafter. Trucks and large non-operational passenger vehicles need annual inspections for the first 10 years, followed by semi-annual inspections. All traffic violation fines must be cleared before the annual vehicle inspection.
I can share my real experience about delaying the vehicle annual inspection. Last year, I was too busy to handle it and procrastinated for three weeks past the deadline. Later, I inquired at the vehicle management office and learned that normally you can only delay it for one month—beyond that, you'll face fines. A friend of mine delayed it for two months and ended up with a 200-yuan fine, plus penalty points. Worse, if you get into an accident with an overdue inspection, insurance won’t cover it. So I learned my lesson—now I set a phone reminder one month in advance, prepare my vehicle license and insurance documents, and get it done hassle-free. Keeping your car well-maintained ensures safety, so don’t take risks like I did. Everyone should manage their time wisely to avoid regrets.
