How Many Days Will a Car Be Impounded for Missing Annual Inspection?

[DelCatherine]

Cars that have missed the annual inspection for less than three months can simply undergo a supplementary inspection and will receive a verbal warning without any fine. If a car has missed the annual inspection for more than three months but less than two years, a fine will be imposed, and 3 points will be deducted from the driver's license. If a car has not undergone the annual inspection for more than two years, the vehicle's registration file will be canceled, and the process to restore the file is relatively complicated. Generally, a fine must be paid before the file can be restored. Vehicles that have not undergone the annual inspection on time, meaning they do not display the inspection compliance label, will be impounded and fined. The details are as follows: 1. Regular Annual Inspection: The vehicle owner or unit must fill out the "Motor Vehicle Annual Inspection Form" and send the vehicle to a designated location for inspection on the date specified by the local vehicle management office. After passing the inspection, the vehicle management authority will stamp the driving license and the "Motor Vehicle Annual Inspection Form" with a seal indicating (Year Vehicle Management Office Inspection Passed). 2. Vehicles Unable to Undergo Inspection on Time Due to Long-Term Assignment in Another Location: The owner must submit an application, and the local vehicle management office will authorize the vehicle management office at the assignment location to conduct the inspection. The inspection results will then be reported back to the original vehicle management office. 3. Vehicles Unable to Undergo Inspection on Time Due to Special Circumstances: The owner must apply for an extension with the local vehicle management office in advance.

[OChloe]

I've been driving for almost 20 years and have witnessed many cases of vehicles being impounded due to expired inspections. Once caught by traffic police, the car gets towed directly to the impound lot—it's not just a fixed few-day hold. You can only retrieve it after completing the inspection and paying all fines. The process takes at least a few days, but can drag on for 1-2 weeks. For example, my friend's car was held for 10 days last time due to failing the inspection. Fines usually start at 200 RMB, plus additional parking fees. Driving without a valid inspection carries greater risks: your insurance may become void, and you could be held fully liable in an accident. It's best to set a phone reminder to get inspected on time every year and avoid these hassles.

[LaJasper]

As a young car owner, I used to find annual inspections annoying, but getting caught is even more of a headache. If your car gets impounded, it's not just a matter of waiting a few days—you have to deal with it personally. First, you need to pay a fine (usually around 200 to 300 yuan), then take your car to the inspection station for the annual check. If everything goes smoothly, it might take three or four days to resolve. However, if your car has minor issues, like problems with the lights or brakes, it could drag on for over a week. During this time, you won't be able to drive, which can disrupt your work or studies. My cousin learned this the hard way—his car was impounded for eight days, and he had to pay for repairs on top of that. The key is to develop good habits: don't procrastinate on your annual inspection, and regular maintenance can help you avoid these unexpected hassles.

[StLeilani]

From a legal perspective, the detention period for vehicles caught without annual inspection is not set by days. It is an administrative enforcement measure, and the vehicle can only be released after the owner promptly pays the fine and completes the annual inspection rectification. Delays in handling can accumulate more issues, such as additional fines or impacts on driver's license points. In practice, most cases can be resolved within a week, but if the owner does not cooperate or has other violations, the detention may be extended. In safe driving, adhering to annual inspection regulations can reduce risks.