How Long Can Vehicle Annual Inspection Be Overdue?

[JuliaLee]

Cannot be overdue. Relevant information is as follows: 1. Relevant regulations: According to the "Road Traffic Safety Law", passenger vehicles for commercial use must undergo annual inspection once within 5 years; after 5 years, inspection is required every 6 months; for cargo vehicles and large or medium-sized non-commercial passenger vehicles, annual inspection is required once within 10 years; after 10 years, inspection is required every 6 months. 2. Other bases: Small and micro non-commercial passenger vehicles must undergo inspection every 2 years within 6 years; after 6 years, annual inspection is required; after 15 years, inspection is required every 6 months; after 20 years, from the 21st year, regular inspection is required 4 times annually. Therefore, vehicle annual inspection can only be done in advance and cannot be delayed.

[DeJames]

I remember last time my car's annual inspection was overdue by almost a month when I finally went to handle it, and I got fined 200 yuan. I was lucky not to get any points deducted. At the time, I delayed it because I was busy with work. Later, I asked a traffic police friend, and he said driving with an overdue inspection is illegal. There might be a grace period of about ten days to a month, depending on local regulations, but definitely don't follow my example. If it's overdue for too long, like two months without inspection, the car could be impounded, and it might affect insurance claims. I recommend handling it as early as possible. Regular annual inspections also check things like brakes and lights—safety first. Now I always set an alarm in advance to get it done before the deadline, avoiding unnecessary stress and keeping the car in good condition.

[Emanuel]

As an ordinary person who frequently uses a car, I believe that overdue annual inspections should not be taken lightly. Legally, driving with an expired inspection is strictly prohibited. If you're caught driving on the road, you'll face a fine, usually around 200 yuan. However, some areas, like urban districts, may be more lenient, offering a grace period of one week to a month. But don't gamble on this—if you delay for two months, you risk points deduction or even having your car towed. My personal habit is to schedule the inspection on the due date. Overdue cars are also prone to dust accumulation and rust, which can affect the engine and brake systems. In short, safety is no small matter. Don't wait until you're stopped by traffic police to regret it—handling it promptly is the most worry-free and convenient approach.

[McRhett]

Last year, I exceeded the deadline for my first annual vehicle inspection by over ten days after buying the car, and I was on edge. I rushed to the inspection station, paid the fine, and thankfully, the car was still drivable. Later, I researched and found that most regions offer a short grace period, like 10-30 days, where it’s not a big issue, but further delays could lead to severe penalties. Driving with an expired inspection not only costs money but also risks insurance denial in case of an accident—something you definitely don’t want. I’ve learned my lesson now and set reminders on my phone a week or two before the due date to get it done early. Keeping the car well-maintained gives peace of mind, and risking an overdue inspection just isn’t worth it.

[MacEmilia]

From a vehicle maintenance perspective, driving without annual inspection is unsafe. Although the legal grace period is vague—maybe just a fine if overdue by a month—exceeding it too long, say by two months, will draw stricter fines from traffic police. I’ve seen a friend’s car towed after three months overdue, leading to costlier repairs. Annual inspections check critical parts like the chassis and brakes; skipping them accelerates wear and spikes repair costs. My advice: don’t gamble on how long you can delay—just inspect on time for the best value. Regular checks also extend your car’s lifespan and prevent unexpected failures, like slippery brakes in rain, which outweigh any time saved by skipping. Cultivate good habits: stay legal and protect your car.