What to Do If a Seized Vehicle Fails Annual Inspection?
2 Answers
In this case, it indicates that the vehicle is permanently seized ("dead seized"). Such a vehicle has already been parked in a court parking lot with seals attached, awaiting the next step—auction. The vehicle can no longer undergo normal annual inspection. Temporarily seized vehicles ("live seized") are not affected and can still proceed with annual inspections, temporary license plates, or replacement of license documents without restrictions. There are three types of seized vehicles: 1. Installment payment vehicles: If the owner defaults on bank payments, the bank may apply to the court for debt collection, and the court will issue a seizure notice to the vehicle management office, prohibiting all services including inspection. 2. Fully paid vehicles: If the owner owes debts, creditors may apply to the court to first seize the vehicle as an asset preservation measure before determining ownership through a judgment. 3. Vehicles involved in crimes or purchased with illegal funds: If criminals use the vehicle for illegal activities or purchase it with illicit money, the public security bureau may seize the vehicle to recover it, prohibiting all services such as inspection and transfer of ownership.
I've dealt with this before. My car was impounded by the court last year. The key point is to understand that impoundment only restricts transactions and transfers, while annual inspection is a legal requirement. First, go to the court that impounded your car and ask the enforcement division for an annual inspection assistance letter. This is just a piece of paper proving that the car can undergo normal annual inspection. Then, bring your ID card, vehicle license, and the court certificate to the DMV window, and they will manually remove the system restrictions. The whole process took me three days, mainly waiting for the court to stamp the document. If the DMV still says no, have them contact the court for confirmation on the spot. Remember, don't try to handle it yourself blindly. Going straight to the source is the most effective way to avoid unnecessary trips.
