How Long Can Vehicle Annual Inspection Be Postponed?
2 Answers
Vehicle annual inspection cannot be postponed, but it can be processed in advance. If you don't have time during the annual inspection period, you can choose to have the inspection done three months early. Small and micro non-operational passenger vehicles are exempt from on-site testing within 6 years. For biennial periodic inspections, the owner needs to provide proof of compulsory traffic insurance, vehicle and vessel tax payment or exemption, and after handling any traffic violations or accidents, they can directly apply for the inspection label. Vehicle annual inspection is a mandatory test for all vehicles that have obtained official license plates and driving licenses, meaning an annual 'physical examination' of the vehicle according to the safety technical conditions for motor vehicle operation.
After driving for so many years, my experience tells me that vehicle annual inspections really can't be casually postponed. The law states that the inspection must be completed before the expiration date on the vehicle registration certificate—there's no fixed grace period. Once overdue, there's typically a 7 to 15-day buffer, but this isn't a legal extension, and you might face traffic police penalties. I've seen a friend get fined 200 yuan and deducted 3 points for being just a few days late; if delayed longer, the vehicle could be towed or have its license revoked. Regular maintenance of components like brakes and lights makes passing the inspection easier. I recommend going to the inspection station a week early to avoid peak-time queues—it's safer and more convenient.
