To what extent can an accident-damaged vehicle not be driven on the road?
2 Answers
An accident-damaged vehicle with severely damaged components cannot be driven on the road. Here is some information about accident-damaged vehicles: 1. Introduction: An accident-damaged vehicle refers to a vehicle that has suffered damage due to non-natural wear and tear, resulting in reduced mechanical performance and economic value. Generally, an "accident-damaged vehicle" refers to a vehicle with structural damage. Additionally, water-damaged vehicles and fire-damaged vehicles also fall under the category of "special accident-damaged vehicles." 2. Methods for identifying accident-damaged vehicles: exterior inspection, light inspection, insurance check, and interior inspection. 3. Light inspection: After inspecting the exterior paint and seams, the next step is to check the color and condition of the vehicle's front and rear lights. Under normal circumstances, some degree of wear or aging on the light surfaces after several years of use is normal, but the aging level of all external lights, especially the plastic surfaces, should be roughly similar across the entire vehicle.
I've been driving for decades, and whether a damaged car is roadworthy mainly depends on the level of safety risk. If the car's frame is deformed after a collision, like doors that won't close or a bent chassis, making it wobble while driving and potentially roll over when turning, it absolutely shouldn't be driven. It's also dangerous if the airbags have deployed but haven't been replaced—there's no protection in case of another crash. Brake failure is even scarier, with no response when you press the pedal. Blown or severely worn tires are another no-go, as they can easily burst on the highway and cause accidents. I've seen people try to make do with damaged cars, only to lose control and crash into barriers—truly terrifying. After an accident, it's best to have a professional shop inspect the car. If critical safety components like the steering system are damaged, don't drive it—otherwise, you're not just risking fines but lives. Failing an annual inspection is common, too—issues like broken headlights or cracked bodywork can lead to immediate point deductions if spotted by traffic police.
