
Log in to the official website of the Traffic Management Bureau and click "Online Vehicle Inspection" — Schedule Inspection — Enter license plate number and engine number. Select the inspection station and appointment time, then enter your mobile phone number. The system will send an SMS containing a reservation code to the owner. The owner should bring the reservation code to the inspection station within the scheduled time, drive the vehicle to the reserved lane, and verify the reservation code at the window to receive the inspection queue number. The inspector will conduct an exterior check. The owner pays a deposit, and a professional will drive the vehicle for inspection while the owner waits. After the vehicle inspection is completed, the owner waits for their number to be called at the front desk in the hall to complete payment procedures and receive the inspection compliance label.

Last time I did my annual inspection directly using the Traffic Management 12123 App. I opened the app on my phone, clicked on 'Vehicle Services', selected 'Schedule Annual Inspection', entered my license plate number and the last six digits of the engine number, and the system automatically recognized the vehicle information. After uploading a photo of my vehicle registration, I could choose a nearby inspection station. I picked a weekend at 9 AM to avoid the rush. After submitting, I received a text reminder to bring my ID and a copy of the insurance policy to the site. I paid the 80-yuan inspection fee online and could even get an electronic invoice. I checked the service ratings of the inspection stations in advance and chose a newly opened one with fewer people and newer equipment, finishing in half an hour. Note that some counties and cities require advance appointments, or you'll make a wasted trip. You can check the policy differences in various places on the official website, and it's safer to book a week in advance.

Driving experience over a decade: Best to schedule vehicle inspection on weekday afternoons—fewer cars, no queues. I use WeChat to search for the local DMV official account, where the menu has a booking portal. After filling in details and selecting a time slot, it's three times faster than counter service. Remember to bring the original copy of compulsory traffic insurance policy—last year I had to make an extra trip for bringing the wrong duplicate. Pre-checking brake lights and tire pressure saves hassle; if treads are worn, drive straight to the repair shop for replacement before inspection. Small inspection stations are least crowded on Thursdays; book ten days ahead during month-end peak periods. Print the fee list in advance and keep it in the glove box—some stations only accept cash, so prepare change.

Office workers' most time-saving method tested: Log in to the 12123 official website during lunch break, click the annual inspection appointment module, enter the license plate number and select the nearest testing station to home, then book the 12 PM slot. Upload a screenshot of the electronic insurance policy to confirm—the whole process takes just three minutes without interrupting work. Reminder: Bring the original driver's license; a colleague once forgot theirs and had to go back home. It's recommended to choose a station with a valet service—just hand the keys to the staff and wait in the lounge scrolling through your phone. The whole thing is done in two hours without even missing lunch. The official website shows real-time queue numbers, so pick a less busy time slot. Booking at the end of the month in advance can save you half a day off work.

Just scheduled the annual inspection for our family's seven-seater car. Calling the 12580 hotline for manual service was the most hassle-free option. After providing the license plate number and ID card number, the customer service recommended a testing station with a children's play area and directly booked us for Thursday at 10 AM. The agent specifically reminded us to clear out the trunk—even the stroller needs to be removed. Booking three days in advance was perfect. Remember to bring the original compulsory traffic insurance policy and reflective vest; older vehicles also need a fire extinguisher. Opting for a newly opened private testing station ensured a better environment, with a lounge featuring a TV and water dispenser, making the two-hour wait with kids much more manageable. Requirements vary by city and county, so downloading the material checklist from the official website is the safest bet.


