How many months in advance can a vehicle undergo its annual inspection?
2 Answers
Vehicles can undergo their annual inspection up to three months in advance. Below are the relevant details about the annual inspection: Conditions: Vehicles whose condition does not match the records on the driving license or archives, or whose license plates or driving licenses are damaged, incomplete, illegible, or self-made. Notes: The vehicle's exterior must not be modified. The color of window sunshades or anti-explosion films cannot be too dark (items inside the vehicle must be clearly visible from one meter away; this mainly applies to vans and trucks, but does not affect small cars with fewer than five seats). Vans and trucks must have enlarged rear license plate numbers. The number of spring leaf plates cannot be increased or decreased. The number of seats in a van cannot be more or less than specified. A fire extinguisher must be present. The cargo compartment of a box truck cannot be modified (no side doors, no roof openings, no tailgates). The size of the tires cannot be altered, and the tread patterns of tires on the same axle must be consistent. Vehicles with unresolved traffic violations or those impounded by the court cannot undergo the annual inspection.
As a seasoned driver with years of experience, I can share some insights about the advance timing for vehicle annual inspections. According to regulations, you can have your car inspected up to 90 days in advance. I always get it done one or two months ahead, as there are fewer people and no queues during off-peak periods. Remember to bring your vehicle license and a copy of the compulsory traffic insurance to the inspection station, and check for minor issues like lights and brakes beforehand to avoid a wasted trip. Failing to get your car inspected on time may result in a 200 yuan fine and penalty points, which is definitely not worth it. I recommend setting a reminder on your phone every year to ensure timely completion, so you can drive with peace of mind. For new cars, they are exempt from on-site inspections for the first six years, but don’t forget to collect the inspection sticker. Handling it early saves you both hassle and stress—don’t wait until the last day to join the crowd.
