How to Check the Validity Period of Vehicle Annual Inspection?
4 Answers
You can check the validity period of the annual inspection by looking at the vehicle license, the annual inspection sticker, or the compulsory insurance policy. Below are the specific methods for checking the validity period of the annual inspection: Check the Vehicle License: Look at the vehicle license. The registration date at the bottom of the original copy indicates the month when the vehicle needs an annual inspection, with the deadline being the last day of that month. Similarly, a note on the duplicate copy states 'XXXXX Inspection Valid Until XXXX/XX', and you can have the inspection done up to three months in advance (including the inspection month). Check the Annual Inspection Sticker: On the white side of the annual inspection sticker, it is printed 'XXXXX Inspection Valid Until XXXX/XX', which indicates the final month for the annual inspection. Similarly, you can have it done up to three months in advance. Check the Compulsory Insurance Policy: The compulsory insurance policy contains the vehicle's registration date. As mentioned in the first point, the month of the registration date is the month when the vehicle requires an annual inspection.
I just bought a car recently and was quite concerned about the annual inspection. Actually, checking the inspection expiry date is super easy. I recommend looking at the vehicle license, that green booklet issued by the DMV, which clearly states when the next inspection is due. You can just keep it locked in the car and check it anytime. Alternatively, you can use the Traffic Management 12123 app. After installing it on my phone and registering my license plate info, a few taps show the deadline, and it even sends automatic reminders to avoid overdue inspections. Nowadays, WeChat official accounts are also handy—just search for your local DMV’s account, enter your VIN, and get instant results. My advice is not to delay checking for too long to avoid getting fined by traffic police on the road, which would be a hassle. It’s best to check two months before the annual inspection, while also preparing your insurance documents and testing lights and brakes. Safety first—it only takes a few minutes to ensure peace of mind.
I often use mobile apps to check my vehicle inspection validity period, which is as easy as playing games. Just download the Traffic Management 12123 app, register and bind your vehicle, then enter the information in the annual inspection module, and the result pops up in two or three minutes—super reliable. If there's no internet, you can also check the vehicle license—that blue booklet has dates printed on every page. Official WeChat accounts like 'Car Butler' also work; just search your license plate number to get the validity period. I also installed a reminder tool that syncs with my calendar and automatically pops up an alert before the deadline. This helps avoid missing inspections, as overdue inspections not only result in point deductions but also contribute to environmental pollution due to excessive emissions. Before driving, I always take a quick glance to ensure the lights are working properly—it’s effortless and worry-free.
As a stay-at-home mom, I rely on my car every day to shuttle the kids around, so safety is always the top priority. To check the annual inspection expiration date, I usually refer to the vehicle license booklet kept in the glove compartment—just open it and glance at the date. Alternatively, you can visit the DMV with your ID card, and the staff will assist you for free and quickly. If all else fails, call the 12123 hotline, provide your license plate number, and ask. I always remind myself not to delay checking too long—getting fined for an expired inspection is minor, but the real concern is potential brake or lighting hazards that could cause accidents, affecting the kids' commute. I also make it a habit to regularly check tire pressure and other essentials while verifying the inspection status.
