How long can the annual vehicle inspection be delayed?
3 Answers
Vehicle annual inspection cannot be delayed and must be processed within the specified time. According to regulations, the owner of a motor vehicle can apply for the inspection qualification 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, the owner of the motor vehicle should complete the handling of any road traffic safety violations and accidents related to the vehicle. Vehicle annual inspection refers to a mandatory test for every vehicle that has obtained an official license plate and registration certificate, equivalent to an annual physical examination for the vehicle according to the safety technical conditions for motor vehicle operation. Vehicle annual inspection can promptly eliminate potential safety hazards, urge the strengthening of vehicle maintenance, and reduce the occurrence of traffic accidents.
I've been driving for over a decade, and annual vehicle inspection is something you can't afford to be careless about. When the inspection is due, there's no official grace period—you must get it done on time. You should go for inspection on the due date itself; otherwise, you might run into trouble the very next day. If you're even one day late, traffic police can fine you 200 yuan and deduct 3 points from your license, and your car might even get towed. I almost learned this the hard way when I forgot during a business trip and came back to find my insurance had lapsed. My advice: don’t procrastinate. Book an inspection slot early—you can even schedule it via mobile apps now—and avoid peak times to save yourself the hassle. Most importantly, neglecting regular maintenance could lead to serious safety risks. Keeping up with inspections is a key part of ensuring road safety, so don’t cut corners and regret it later.
As a young person, I feel that annual vehicle inspections are like phone upgrades - if you don't handle them when they're due, things get stuck. There's no official extension, you have to go for inspection immediately when it's due. Even one day overdue means a ticket, and it might delay insurance claims. Use apps like Didi Car Owner or Traffic Management 12123 to set reminders that notify you one week before expiration. I once forgot and ended up getting fined plus having to retake the written driving test. It's best to go to inspection stations during off-peak hours - shorter waits and cheaper too. Problems with lights or brakes make night driving risky, safety comes first and foremost, developing good habits means less worry.
