How Long Does Vehicle Annual Inspection Take?
2 Answers
Here is an introduction to the timeframes for vehicle annual inspections: 1. Passenger vehicles for commercial use: Commercial passenger vehicles must be inspected once a year within the first 5 years; after 5 years, every 6 months. 2. Cargo vehicles: Cargo vehicles and large or medium-sized non-commercial passenger vehicles must be inspected once a year within the first 10 years; after 10 years, every 6 months. 3. Non-commercial passenger vehicles: Small and mini non-commercial passenger vehicles must be inspected once every 2 years within the first 6 years. Below is additional information on annual inspections: 1. Period: There will be no fine for being one day overdue. Vehicles overdue for less than one year can undergo a supplementary inspection at the vehicle management department without facing penalties. However, if overdue for more than one year, the penalty includes a 3-point deduction, a fine, and possible temporary vehicle seizure. 2. Penalty: Driving a vehicle without displaying the inspection compliance mark will result in vehicle detention, a 1-point deduction, and a fine. Driving without compulsory traffic insurance will result in a fine of twice the insurance premium.
Last year, I had my annual vehicle inspection at an urban testing station, where I waited in line for a full two hours—the crowd was overwhelming, and just the wait alone was frustrating. The actual inspection took less than half an hour, mainly checking the brakes, lights, and exhaust emissions. There were plenty of staff, but the traffic volume was high, making peak hours on weekdays even more unbearable. I recommend going early in the morning or booking an appointment to save a lot of time. Also, prepare your vehicle registration and insurance documents in advance; otherwise, incomplete paperwork might send you back, causing further delays. Location matters too: testing stations in city centers are usually more crowded, while suburban ones might be quicker. If your car is in good condition with no major issues, the inspection process is smooth; but if problems like a faulty brake light are found, you’ll need repairs and a retest, which could drag on for days. In short, under normal circumstances, it takes about two hours, but preventive measures can make it smoother.
