How Long Can Vehicle Inspection Be Delayed?
2 Answers
According to Article 47, Paragraph 4 of the "Motor Vehicle Registration Management Measures", if a vehicle fails to undergo safety technical inspection within the prescribed period, the public security traffic management department will issue a warning or impose a fine. The annual inspection can only be conducted after the fine is paid. This means there is no question of how long the inspection can be overdue—whether it's one month or one day past the deadline, it is considered illegal. Below are the consequences of overdue vehicle annual inspection: 1. Consequences of Overdue Vehicle Annual Inspection: For vehicles that do not undergo annual inspection on time, apart from the lack of guarantee for driving safety, according to the "Road Traffic Safety Law", drivers will be fined and penalized with 3 demerit points for overdue inspection. 2. Compulsory Scrapping Standards for Motor Vehicles: It is particularly important to note that, according to the "Compulsory Scrapping Standards for Motor Vehicles", if a motor vehicle fails to obtain the inspection qualification mark for three consecutive inspection cycles after the expiration of the inspection validity period, it will be compulsorily scrapped.
Last time I forgot to do the annual inspection and delayed it for a month, resulting in a 200 yuan fine. I asked a traffic police friend who said the maximum delay is usually 1 to 2 months, but this varies by local regulations. In strict cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen, delaying too long might lead to direct vehicle impoundment or even affect insurance claims. Smaller cities are more lenient, but it's best not to exceed two months. Delaying further carries big risks—if caught by police on the road, you could face fines and even penalty points. I recommend booking an inspection station appointment ASAP to avoid more trouble. Also, remember to service your car before the inspection—sometimes a broken brake light can affect the pass rate. Set a phone reminder for the annual date and don’t be as careless as I was.
