What is the penalty for overdue vehicle annual inspection?
2 Answers
Vehicle annual inspection will be penalized as soon as it is overdue, even if it is just one day overdue. If a motor vehicle fails to undergo a safety technical inspection within the prescribed period, the traffic management department of the public security organ will issue a warning or impose a fine, and 3 points will be deducted from the driver's license. More detailed information is as follows: 1. According to Article 47, Paragraph 4 of the "Vehicle Registration Management Measures", if a vehicle fails to undergo a safety technical inspection within the prescribed period, the traffic management department will issue a warning or impose a fine, and the annual inspection can only be conducted after the fine is paid. 2. According to the "Vehicle Registration Regulations" (Order No. 102 of the Ministry of Public Security), the owner of the vehicle can apply for an inspection mark at the vehicle management office of the registration place within 3 months before the expiration of the vehicle inspection validity period. 3. In addition, according to the "Vehicle Compulsory Scrapping Standards Regulations", if a vehicle fails to obtain a valid inspection mark for three consecutive inspection periods after the expiration of the inspection validity period, it will be compulsorily scrapped. The documents required for re-inspection at the inspection station include the original vehicle driving license, the original copy of the valid compulsory traffic accident liability insurance policy for the current year, the valid tax payment or tax exemption certificate for the current year's vehicle and vessel tax, the original identity certificate, etc. (For specific details, please consult the local vehicle management office).
That time my car's annual inspection expired really taught me a lesson. I thought delaying a few days wouldn't matter, but just a few days after it expired, I got pulled over by traffic police. They fined me 200 yuan on the spot and deducted 3 points from my license. The officer explained that penalties for an expired inspection start from the expiration date—no matter how many days overdue, the standard penalty is at least 200 yuan and 3 points. If it's over a month late, like driving in the city, the fine could rise to 300-500 yuan with potential 6-point deductions. Worse yet, prolonged delays risk having the vehicle impounded, requiring extra inspection fees upon retrieval—way more hassle. Truth is, annual inspections check critical safety components like brake lights; without them, insurance may deny accident claims. Best to set a phone reminder and get it done two weeks early—saves money and peace of mind.
