What is the process and precautions for annual vehicle inspection?
2 Answers
Annual inspection process: Check whether the engine, chassis, body, and their accessories are clean, complete, and effective; whether the paint surface is uniform and aesthetically pleasing; whether the main assemblies have been replaced and match the initial inspection records; verify if the vehicle's braking performance, steering control, lighting, exhaust, and other safety features comply with the "Technical Conditions for Safe Operation of Motor Vehicles." Check whether the vehicle has been modified, altered, or reconstructed; whether the driving license, license plate, and vehicle registration records match the actual condition of the vehicle and if any changes have been made, and whether approval and modification procedures have been completed. Inspect the license plate, driving license, and the enlarged license plate print on the vehicle for damage, tampering, or unclear handwriting, and determine if replacement is needed. For large vehicles, check if the unit name or the name of the street, township, or town where the vehicle is registered, as well as the maximum seating capacity in the driver's cabin, are printed in Chinese imitation Song font on both sides of the door as required. For trucks, check if the rear panel (including the trailer's rear panel) has the vehicle number enlarged 2-3 times as required. For individually or jointly owned vehicles, check if the word "individual" is printed on both sides of the door. The handwriting must be clear, and printing unit codes or other patterns is not allowed (special cases require approval from the vehicle management office). Precautions for annual inspection: Vehicles that pass the periodic inspection will have their driving license and "Motor Vehicle Periodic Inspection Form" stamped. Vehicles that fail the periodic inspection must be repaired within the specified time. If they still fail after the deadline, the vehicle management authority has the right to confiscate the license plate and driving license of the unqualified vehicle, and the vehicle will not be allowed to drive on the road or be transferred. Vehicles that cannot participate in the periodic inspection for any reason must apply for an extension in advance to the vehicle management authority. Vehicles stationed outside can entrust the local vehicle management authority to conduct the inspection on their behalf, and the results will be notified to the original vehicle management authority. Vehicles that do not participate in the periodic inspection without reason are not allowed to drive on the road.
I just got my driver's license and went through the annual inspection, which wasn't as complicated as I imagined. The process goes like this: First, prepare the original copies of your vehicle license, ID card, and compulsory traffic insurance policy. You can book an appointment online or via an app at a nearby inspection station to avoid long queues. Upon arrival, the staff first conduct an exterior check, including whether all lights are working and if the license plate is damaged or obscured. Then, the vehicle undergoes an online inspection for exhaust emissions, braking system, and chassis condition. If it passes, you receive the annual inspection sticker on the spot, which must be affixed to the lower right corner of the windshield. Key points to note: Make sure to settle all traffic violation records beforehand, or you won't pass the inspection; fix any vehicle issues like broken headlights before going; don't wait until the deadline to avoid fines. The whole process can take less than an hour if everything goes smoothly. New drivers are advised to prepare at least a week in advance to save time and hassle.
