
Temporary detention for overdue vehicle inspection refers to vehicles that have not undergone mandatory safety technical inspections within the prescribed period and are prohibited from being driven on roads. If such vehicles are found on the road by traffic police, the traffic management department will temporarily impound the vehicle according to law. The Road Traffic Safety Law stipulates that vehicle owners may apply for an inspection compliance mark at the vehicle registration authority within three months before the expiration of the valid inspection period. If the annual inspection is overdue and the vehicle is still driven on the road, the owner will be penalized with a 3-point deduction and a fine upon discovery by traffic police. The vehicle inspection schedule is as follows: 1. Non-commercial passenger vehicles are exempt from on-site inspection for the first 6 years: Non-commercial passenger vehicles (including non-commercial cars, small and mini passenger vehicles, and from November 20, 2020, 7-9 seat non-commercial mini and micro passenger vehicles, excluding vans) are exempt from on-site inspection for the first 6 years, only requiring an inspection mark application every two years. From November 20, 2020, for private vehicles over 6 years but under 10 years old, the inspection cycle is relaxed from annual to biennial, meaning private vehicles within 10 years only need on-site inspections twice, at the 6th and 8th years. For private vehicles over 10 years old, the original inspection cycle applies: 10-15 year-old private vehicles require annual inspections, while those over 15 years old require semi-annual inspections. 2. Commercial passenger vehicles require annual inspections: Commercial passenger vehicles under 5 years old require annual inspections; those over 5 years old require semi-annual inspections. 3. Trucks and similar vehicles require annual inspections: Trucks and large/medium non-commercial passenger vehicles under 10 years old require annual inspections, while those over 10 years old require semi-annual inspections.

The term 'temporary detention for overdue vehicle inspection' might sound complicated, but it simply means your car gets impounded when you fail to complete the mandatory annual inspection on time. I learned this the hard way last year – overwhelmed with work, I forgot the inspection deadline and realized it only after a month. Traffic police stopped me on the road and had my car towed for temporary detention. Essentially, the vehicle is held in custody until you complete the inspection at the DMV, pay overdue fines, and pass the tests. It was a hassle – not just the financial penalty but also the disruption to my work schedule. Delaying inspections risks hiding potential safety issues like brake failures or lighting malfunctions, significantly increasing driving hazards. My advice: set calendar reminders 1-2 weeks before the deadline to handle inspections proactively. If detained, promptly contact the DMV for resolution. Remember, timely inspections demonstrate responsibility for your own safety.

When a vehicle's annual inspection expires and is not processed on time, it triggers the so-called temporary impoundment measure. I understand this issue well, having seen many cases in my years of repair experience. The inspection is the foundation for ensuring vehicle safety, and once overdue, the law considers it a risk for illegal road use. Temporary impoundment means the vehicle is temporarily seized by law enforcement and can only be retrieved after completing the inspection process and paying fines. Don’t underestimate it—the procedure involves multiple steps: first, queue up at the inspection station for testing, where issues like faulty headlights might be found, requiring repairs before passing, followed by paying fines and late fees. The process also affects your freedom of movement, and if mechanical problems lead to an accident, the consequences could be worse. Prevention is the best strategy. I recommend checking tire pressure and lighting conditions monthly and scheduling the inspection well in advance. Simple maintenance can prevent major troubles—safety on the road always comes first.

To put it simply, overdue inspection detention means your vehicle failed to undergo mandatory inspection and was consequently impounded. If you exceed the stipulated time limit (e.g., three months) without completing the procedures, traffic police will temporarily confiscate the vehicle upon discovery. You must promptly conduct a supplementary inspection and pay fines to retrieve it. My buddy recently experienced this - procrastination cost him hundreds in unnecessary fees plus a scare. The root cause often lies in neglecting aging vehicle issues, whereas regular inspections identify potential hazards. Prevention is straightforward: set phone reminders in advance or ask family to track deadlines. Stay proactive with daily driving maintenance—address issues before they escalate. Prioritizing safety ensures peace of mind and saves trouble.


