Is Vehicle Inspection Mandatory for Ownership Transfer?

[DelWeston]

Vehicle inspection is required during the ownership transfer process; without it, the owner cannot complete the transfer. The inspection covers the exterior, chassis, lighting, etc. Both the previous and current owners must bring their ID cards to the local vehicle management office for the transfer. Here is additional information: 1. Transferring ownership is a necessary step when purchasing a used car. Without it, the legal owner remains the previous owner. 2. After the transfer, the 'Motor Vehicle Registration Certificate' will be updated to reflect the new owner, and the vehicle management office will issue a new license. 3. After the transfer, the original license plate belongs to the previous owner, and the new owner must select a new plate number. License plates follow the person, not the vehicle. 4. If the car has been modified, it must be restored to its original factory condition before the transfer; otherwise, the transfer cannot proceed. It is advisable to avoid purchasing modified cars, as they not only complicate the transfer process but may also have poor condition. 5. When buying a used car, first verify that the vehicle's documentation is complete, ensuring it is legally roadworthy and eligible for transfer. 6. After checking the documentation, inspect the vehicle's condition, preferably with the help of a professional used car evaluator. During the inspection, always use a lift to examine the chassis thoroughly.

[McHarmony]

Last time when I helped a friend with the vehicle transfer, I learned that an inspection is mandatory! The staff used a flashlight to check the engine number and chassis number, and also confirmed there were no modifications. My friend's old car had a cracked rear tail light, which was pointed out, so we had to go to a repair shop to replace the light before it passed. The inspection is to verify the vehicle's identity, prevent illegal modifications or cloned vehicles from being transferred, and even the body color must match the registration book. Once, I noticed the annual inspection sticker on the windshield was crooked, so I quickly scraped it off and reattached it properly—these small details really matter.

[Makayla]

Vehicle inspection is an essential step that cannot be skipped. The inspection station technicians will check the vehicle identification number (VIN) imprint and verify if the chassis number is legible—especially important for older cars from a decade ago, as rust can often obscure these numbers. Remember to bring a warning triangle and a fire extinguisher, as the absence of either will be flagged as a safety defect. Before the ownership transfer, it's advisable to self-check the lights and horn. One car got held up because its reverse light wasn't working, and the owner had to spend 80 yuan to replace the bulb before passing. Nowadays, some cities allow scheduling inspection times via the traffic management app 12123, which can save a lot of hassle by avoiding peak hours.

[VonVivienne]

Vehicle inspection is a must! Focus on checking three numbers: the engine number, chassis number, and license plate number. I had trouble transferring my motorcycle—the previous owner had illegally cut the muffler, and it was immediately flagged as an illegal modification. What was even more frustrating was an unregistered invisible car wrap that had to be removed to restore the original condition. It's advisable to settle any traffic violations before the transfer. A friend’s car had 6 penalty points and unpaid fines, and after waiting in line at the DMV for three hours, they were told the violations had to be cleared before the inspection could proceed—a total waste of time.

[GenevieveFitz]

Vehicle inspection is a mandatory requirement for ownership transfer, primarily checking the vehicle's legality. Recently, while assisting a relative with an out-of-town transfer, I noticed stricter checks—not only verifying the chassis VIN but also inspecting the environmental label. His National IV diesel vehicle almost got held up due to emission standards. Incorrect tire sizes are also unacceptable; those who switched to wider tires should remember to revert to the factory specifications. It’s advisable to clean the undercarriage in advance, as mud covering the frame number can indeed result in a wasted trip—I saw someone squatting for half an hour scraping off mud on the spot.