What documents are required for vehicle inspection now?
3 Answers
Failure to carry relevant documents during the annual inspection may result in the inability to endorse the vehicle license. Traffic police remind that the inspector's ID card must be presented during the inspection, otherwise the vehicle license cannot be endorsed and the annual inspection compliance label cannot be printed. If the owner is not handling the procedure, the inspector's ID card can be used instead. Here is additional information: Relevant regulations: Vehicle annual inspection refers to a mandatory test for all vehicles that have obtained official license plates and vehicle licenses, equivalent to an annual physical examination for the vehicle according to the "Technical Conditions for Motor Vehicle Operation Safety". The 6-year exemption policy applies to the following vehicle types: non-operational large, small, and mini cars, and non-operational small and mini passenger vehicles (the term "non-operational" in this measure does not include: police, fire, ambulance, engineering rescue, converted from operational to non-operational, or converted from taxi to non-operational).
I've been driving for twenty years, going through the annual vehicle inspection every year. Nowadays, for the inspection, the first step is to bring all the required materials: the original vehicle registration certificate, the owner's ID card (don’t forget a copy), and the duplicate of the compulsory traffic insurance policy. Some cities also require an environmental compliance certificate. Next, check the vehicle condition in advance: ensure all lights are working, especially the brake lights and high-mounted stop lights; the tire tread depth must not be worn to the limit; seat belts should be secure and undamaged, and make sure no warning lights are on. Before going, it’s best to book an appointment online at a local inspection station using apps like Traffic Management 12123 to avoid long queues. At the inspection station, the process involves several steps: exterior inspection (photos for records), safety tests (brakes, lights), and emission testing (exhaust must not exceed standards). The cost is usually around 200 RMB, payable via WeChat or Alipay. If everything passes on the first try, it can be done in half an hour, and you’ll get the annual inspection sticker to place on your windshield. Be mindful of the validity period—driving with an expired inspection can result in a 200 RMB fine and 3 penalty points, and insurance won’t cover any accidents. Bring some patience; if your car is in good condition, it’s a breeze.
Last time I got my car inspected was the second year after I bought it, super easy. Just brought my driver's license and vehicle registration, with ID card as backup. A copy of the insurance policy was essential, though some places accept online verification. Before heading out, I checked the tires for cracks myself and tested the headlights a few times to avoid rework. Went to the inspection station on a weekday during off-peak hours—no appointment needed, just walked right in. The staff directed me to drive into the bay for checks like emissions, chassis, and brake force. Paid 120 yuan in cash, but card payment was also an option. The whole process wrapped up in 20 minutes—got the new sticker, slapped it on, and left. For newbies, I'd suggest washing the car first for a cleaner appearance or installing a dash cam in case of minor road incidents. Don't wait until month-end when it's packed.
