How long can the inspection exemption mark be overdue?
2 Answers
Three months. If the annual inspection is overdue, the owner of the motor vehicle will be fined 200 yuan and receive 3 demerit points. The specific details are as follows: 1. Accidents involving vehicles that have not undergone annual inspection will not be compensated: According to the "Motor Vehicle Third Party Liability Insurance Clauses," if the insured vehicle is involved in a traffic accident without undergoing the required annual inspection or fails the inspection, or if the vehicle does not have a valid driving license, the insurer will not be liable for compensation. In other words, the insurance contract only applies to qualified and legal vehicles. In addition to refusing compensation for traffic accidents involving vehicles that have not undergone annual inspection on time, insurance companies will also refuse compensation for lost vehicles. 2. Vehicles that are not inspected will be impounded and fined: For vehicles that have not undergone annual inspection, traffic police can impose a fine of 200 yuan and 3 demerit points on the driver according to the "Road Traffic Safety Law," and the vehicle will also be temporarily impounded.
I once had an expired vehicle inspection exemption decal because I was too busy with work and forgot to handle it. I delayed the annual inspection for almost two months, and as a result, I was fined 200 yuan and had points deducted when stopped by traffic police. Based on my experience and understanding, there is usually a grace period after a vehicle's inspection exemption expires. Most places allow a delay of one to two months, but the specifics depend on local policies—stricter cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou may only give a one-month buffer. If you exceed the deadline, not only will you face fines and points deductions, but your car could also be impounded or your insurance could become invalid. I recommend setting a reminder on your phone a few days in advance to avoid procrastination like I did—safe driving is the top priority.
