How to Handle Late Vehicle Inspection?
3 Answers
If a vehicle has not undergone its annual inspection on time, the driver must personally submit a written application for a late inspection to the traffic police department. Once a vehicle exceeds three inspection cycles without being inspected, the vehicle management office will process it as scrap, and no further procedures can be completed. Advance Date for Vehicle Inspection: Vehicle inspections can be scheduled up to three months in advance. During normal vehicle use, inspections must be conducted according to the specified timeline. Once a vehicle misses its inspection, it is not permitted to be driven on the road. Driving without inspection is considered illegal. Methods for Vehicle Inspection: There are two methods for exempted vehicles: processing through the 12123 APP, followed by an inspection at a vehicle inspection station after the exemption period ends. Vehicles requiring an on-site inspection must go through an authorized vehicle inspection station and cannot use the 12123 mobile app. Late Inspection Process: 1. Schedule an appointment in advance, either by phone or online. 2. Visit the vehicle management office to apply and correctly fill out the application form. 3. Submit the application form and take a number to queue for inspection. 4. Prepare required documents, such as the original and copy of the driver's license, insurance policy copy, tax payment proof, etc.
I encountered this same issue last year when I realized my vehicle had been overdue for its annual inspection by over half a year. Don't panic—just bring your ID card, vehicle license, and compulsory traffic insurance policy directly to the inspection station. The most important step is to clear all traffic violations first! At the counter, inform them you need to handle an overdue inspection. They’ll issue a notice for you to pay a ¥200 fine (standards vary by region), then assign you a queue number for the on-site inspection. Remember to check minor issues like brake light brightness beforehand. If your emissions fail, get them fixed immediately—I had to make an extra trip due to a aged catalytic converter. Don’t trust scalpers who approach you; just ask the staff for the process yourself. Once the overdue inspection passes, the validity period will still be calculated from that date.
The re-inspection process isn't actually complicated, but delaying makes it more troublesome. First, ensure your insurance is valid - compulsory traffic insurance must be renewed. Before going to the inspection station, make sure all traffic fines are settled as outstanding violations will block the process. Many cities now require appointments, so book a slot via the traffic police app in advance, avoiding the peak period at month start. Remember to bring both original and copy of the vehicle registration certificate, plus the owner's ID card. If using an agent, a power of attorney is required. The inspection fee will be dozens RMB higher than normal, plus a few hundred in fines is unavoidable - still better than having your vehicle impounded. After passing, promptly affix the new inspection sticker to the top right corner of the windshield.
