Is it acceptable to delay the annual vehicle inspection by one month?
2 Answers
Vehicle annual inspection cannot be postponed. Delaying the annual vehicle inspection by one month constitutes an inspection lapse. Once the inspection is overdue, the vehicle registration system will mark its status as overdue for inspection. If the vehicle is still driven on the road at this time, it violates regulations and will be subject to corresponding penalties. Additional information: Introduction to vehicle annual inspection: Vehicle annual inspection refers to a mandatory test for every vehicle that has obtained an official license plate and registration certificate. It is equivalent to an annual physical examination for the vehicle in accordance with the "Technical Requirements for Motor Vehicle Operation Safety." Vehicle annual inspections help promptly eliminate potential safety hazards, encourage enhanced vehicle maintenance, and reduce the occurrence of traffic accidents.
Being one month late for your vehicle's annual inspection isn't a huge deal, but you definitely shouldn't keep putting it off. I've been driving for almost ten years and once forgot about the inspection for over a week—got stopped by traffic police, fined 200 RMB, and had points deducted. The inspection mainly checks if safety components like lights and brakes are functioning properly. If you're late, the inspection center can usually handle it quickly, with fees similar to regular inspections. However, driving with an expired inspection is risky—if caught by cameras or in an accident, your insurance might not cover the full amount. I recommend going to the local inspection station immediately to schedule a make-up inspection, bringing your vehicle license and insurance documents to avoid complications. Also, set a phone calendar reminder one or two months in advance next time to prevent oversight.