What are the penalties for driving with an expired vehicle inspection?
3 Answers
Driving with an expired vehicle inspection results in 3 demerit points and a fine. Below is an introduction to the relevant inspection content: 1. Timeframe: No fine will be imposed for being one day overdue. Vehicles overdue for inspection by less than one year can undergo a supplementary inspection procedure at the vehicle management department without facing penalties. However, if the inspection is overdue by more than one year, a penalty of 3 demerit points will be imposed, and the vehicle may be temporarily impounded. 2. Penalties: For driving a motor vehicle on the road without displaying an inspection compliance label, the vehicle may be impounded, with 1 demerit point and a fine imposed. Failure to purchase compulsory traffic insurance will result in a fine of twice the insurance premium.
My neighbor used to drive to work, but got caught by traffic police for an expired annual inspection that was overdue by a month. On the spot, he was fined 200 yuan, had 3 points deducted from his driver's license, and his car was towed directly to the inspection station. The biggest headache was the time and money spent on the re-inspection—another 500 yuan for towing and inspection fees. Driving with an expired inspection not only results in fines and points but also means insurance won’t cover you in case of an accident—my friend had a minor crash and ended up paying thousands out of pocket because his inspection was overdue. I recommend setting a phone reminder two weeks before your inspection is due every year. Don’t risk driving just to save time—safety comes first. Older cars are prone to issues with brakes and lights, and the annual inspection helps spot potential hazards to prevent accidents. A simple habit like sticking a note on your car as a reminder can be very effective.
From a legal perspective, the penalties for driving with an expired inspection are quite severe. According to traffic regulations, if caught, you will be fined at least 200 to 2,000 yuan, depending on the number of days overdue, and may also receive 3 demerit points affecting your driving record. I've studied cases where police have the authority to impound the vehicle, requiring you to complete the inspection before driving it away. If caught driving with an expired inspection multiple times, fines can double or even lead to license suspension. Safety is crucial—inspections ensure emissions and lighting meet standards to avoid polluting the environment or endangering others. Insurance policies often exclude coverage for accidents involving uninspected vehicles, leading to greater losses. It's advisable to check inspection dates online or set up notifications on the traffic management app to handle it early, saving both hassle and money. If your inspection is overdue, don't take chances by driving around—head straight to an inspection station to get it sorted.
