How Long Can Vehicle Annual Inspection Be Delayed?
3 Answers
Vehicle annual inspection cannot be postponed and must be completed within the specified time. The owner of the motor vehicle can apply for the inspection compliance mark at the vehicle registration management office up to three months before the expiration of the motor vehicle inspection validity period. Before applying, the owner must settle all traffic violations and accidents related to the vehicle. Required materials for vehicle annual inspection: 1. Original application form for motor vehicle license plate; 2. Proof of compulsory traffic accident liability insurance for motor vehicles; 3. Copy of the tax payment or tax exemption certificate for vehicle and vessel tax; 4. Original proof of motor vehicle safety technical inspection compliance; 5. Original motor vehicle driving license; 6. For cases where the inspection compliance mark is issued by an authorized party, the original notice of authorization for issuing the inspection compliance mark must also be provided; 7. For proxy registration, the agent's identity proof and the original legally binding written authorization from the vehicle owner must be provided.
I've been driving trucks for long-distance hauls for over a decade, and vehicle annual inspections are something you absolutely can't delay—the latest you can go is right before the expiration date. Once the due date passes, it's considered a violation, and if you're caught driving, you're in big trouble. According to domestic regulations, driving is immediately prohibited after the annual inspection expires. If you're lucky enough to get away with it on the road, you'll face a 200-yuan fine, 3 demerit points, and possibly even have your vehicle impounded, which can affect insurance claims. I learned this the hard way—once, I was so busy with work that I forgot about the inspection, and it expired by two days. I was directly fined by the traffic police, and it took me two days to get the inspection done, wasting money in the process. Usually, I advise everyone to schedule an appointment at least a month before the due date—don't wait for the last reminder. Also, check small issues like brake lights and tire pressure beforehand to avoid delays during the inspection process. Safety comes first—driving with an expired inspection isn't just illegal, it also increases the risk of accidents, endangering both yourself and others. You must handle it on time.
I just bought my car a little over two years ago and I'm quite nervous about the annual inspection. My friend said you absolutely can't let it expire—the deadline is the cutoff point. Even being one second overdue while driving counts as a violation, with common penalties being a 200-yuan fine and demerit points. What's worse is that insurance companies may refuse to cover vehicle damage claims. My advice: set a phone reminder half a month in advance, prepare your vehicle license and insurance policy, and head to the inspection station. Don't repeat my mistake of procrastinating for days last time—I almost missed the deadline. Always check dashboard warning lights before driving; if the annual inspection sticker has expired, stop immediately and consult traffic authorities to avoid bigger trouble. Remember: never delay this.
