Is an Annual Inspection Required to Be Conducted Locally?
3 Answers
It can be conducted in a different location, but you need to obtain an inspection authorization letter from the local vehicle management office. Materials required for an out-of-town annual inspection: Original ID card or the original ID card of the agent; original vehicle license; duplicate of compulsory traffic insurance; proof of vehicle and vessel tax. Regulations for out-of-town annual inspections: After the implementation of the new regulations for vehicle out-of-town annual inspections, vehicles eligible for the 6-year exemption can apply for the annual inspection compliance mark online. Simply use the "Exempt Vehicle Inspection Mark Application" feature on the Traffic Management 12123 or the Comprehensive Traffic Safety Service Management Platform, submit proof of compulsory traffic insurance and vehicle and vessel tax, and the annual inspection compliance mark can be mailed to your home without leaving your house.
Vehicle annual inspection doesn't necessarily have to be done locally, as many places now support cross-regional processing. Last month when I was on a business trip in a neighboring city, I directly completed the annual inspection at the local vehicle management office, saving me the hassle of driving back to my hometown. With the nationwide unified policy now in place, you can check the official website of the local vehicle management office or use an APP to make an appointment and find the nearest inspection station. However, it depends on the vehicle condition and regional differences - some cities have stricter emission standards, and out-of-town vehicles might need to wait a few extra days for test results. I recommend calling the inspection station beforehand to ask about required documents. Like during my inspection, I brought extra copies of the vehicle registration certificate and ID card, and everything was completed in just half an hour - very convenient.
As a car owner, I find the annual inspection quite flexible whether done locally or out of town. When using the vehicle in a different location, such as working long-term in another city, you can easily handle it through an entrusted agent, which saves a lot of hassle. The process is straightforward: simply search for the local traffic police's official WeChat account in advance to book an out-of-town annual inspection service and upload a photo of the vehicle registration certificate. The whole process won’t interfere with your work. However, be aware that for older or modified vehicles, some cities have stricter inspections and may require additional checks before approval. I recommend keeping up with regular vehicle maintenance records so that, no matter where you get the inspection done, it can be passed quickly, avoiding extra costs and wasted time.
