How long can vehicle inspection be overdue?
3 Answers
Vehicle inspection cannot be overdue; annual inspections can only be conducted in advance, not delayed. Driving with an expired inspection is illegal. According to the motor vehicle third-party liability insurance clauses, if an accident occurs and the insured vehicle has not undergone the required annual inspection, failed the inspection, or lacks valid driving documents, the insurer will not be liable for compensation. This means the insurance contract only applies to qualified and legal vehicles. For vehicles that have not undergone annual inspection, traffic police can impose a fine and deduct 3 points from the driver's license, as well as impound the vehicle under the Road Traffic Safety Law. If a driver cannot complete license renewal, inspection, or submit a physical condition report within the required time due to military service, overseas travel, or other reasons, they can apply for an extension at the vehicle management office where the license was issued. The application must include a completed form, the driver's ID, the vehicle license, and proof of the reason for the extension.
The grace period for overdue vehicle annual inspections varies by location, typically ranging from 15 to 30 days. For example, in Shenzhen, the regulation allows a 30-day period for late inspection. Exceeding this period results in penalty points, fines, and may even affect the vehicle's roadworthiness. I was fined 200 yuan and deducted 1 point because I forgot for a few days due to work commitments—it really wasn't worth it. I recommend scheduling the inspection one or two weeks in advance to save time, money, and ensure driving safety.
Don't exceed one month for vehicle inspection, right? I remember Beijing has a 30-day grace period, but dragging it too long carries big risks. Forgetting the inspection might lead to being stopped and fined by traffic police, limited insurance claims, or even failing the annual vehicle inspection. A friend of mine delayed it by 20 days and ended up spending a fortune on repairs. Set a phone calendar reminder to avoid missing the date and affecting your driving.
