What to Do If the Vehicle Fails to Undergo Annual Inspection on Time?
3 Answers
For vehicles that have not undergone annual inspection and wish to make up for it, the vehicle owner needs to personally submit a written application for a makeup inspection to the traffic police department. Required documents include the vehicle license, third-party liability insurance certificate, original and photocopies of the vehicle and vessel tax. During the makeup inspection, a fine must be paid, and 3 points will be deducted.
I had the same issue last month. I was so swamped that I completely forgot about the vehicle inspection deadline and only remembered two weeks after it was due. I was panicking inside. Don’t be like me and wait around—check the local traffic management bureau’s official website or app as soon as you realize it, and book the nearest inspection slot ASAP. The sooner you go, the better; you might only get fined 100 or 200 RMB, but if you delay, the fine could double, and you might even get points deducted. Remember to bring your ID card, vehicle registration, and insurance policy. Just queue up for the inspection when you get there—no need to stress. The worst-case scenario is if you’re overdue for too long and your license gets revoked—that’s a real headache. Set a phone calendar reminder or stick a note on your car to build the habit. It’s better than driving around worried and getting caught—not worth it.
Expired vehicle inspections are quite common—I’ve been careless a few times in my younger days too. Don’t rush to hit the road first; check how many days it’s overdue. Most cities impose minor fines of just a few hundred, but exceeding six months carries higher risks. I recommend heading straight to an inspection station or calling to schedule an appointment. Bring the necessary documents, and it’s usually handled on the spot. Delaying could lead to higher insurance premiums, and getting pulled over by the police is even costlier. Make it a habit to check reminders every 12 months—just jot it down in a small notebook. If this happens, stay calm, treat it as paying for a lesson, and resolve it quickly for peace of mind. Safe driving isn’t just about the big things—small details like inspections matter more than you think.
