What to Do If the Vehicle Inspection Has Expired? Can I Still Drive?
3 Answers
Uninspected or expired motor vehicles are not allowed to be driven on the road. According to Article 47 of the "Motor Vehicle Registration Regulations": If a motor vehicle driven on the road fails to undergo the required periodic safety technical inspection, 3 points will be deducted, a fine will be imposed, and the vehicle may be temporarily impounded. Below is the relevant information about vehicle inspections: 1. Small and micro non-operating passenger vehicles: Inspection once every 2 years within the first 6 years. 2. Operating passenger vehicles: (1) Inspection once every year within the first 5 years. (2) Inspection once every 6 months after exceeding 5 years. 3. Trucks and large and medium non-operating passenger vehicles: (1) Inspection once every year within the first 10 years. (2) Inspection once every 6 months after exceeding 10 years. 4. Small and micro non-operating passenger vehicles: (1) Inspection once every 2 years within the first 6 years. (2) Inspection once every year after exceeding 6 years. (3) Inspection once every 6 months after exceeding 15 years. 5. Motorcycles: (1) Inspection once every 2 years within the first 4 years. (2) Inspection once every year after exceeding 4 years. 6. Tractors and other motor vehicles: Inspection once every year.
As a veteran driver with over 20 years of experience, I know you should never touch the steering wheel if your vehicle's annual inspection has expired. If caught driving without it, the fine starts at 100-200 yuan, and in severe cases, your car may be impounded, which is even more troublesome. The annual inspection checks whether your car is safe to drive. Severe tire wear or brake failure can easily lead to accidents, especially on highways during rainy days—so dangerous! When I was younger, I once forgot about it and drove for several days before realizing it had expired. I ended up spending 300 yuan to get it re-inspected and missed work. My advice: stop driving immediately and check your records. Either take a taxi or ask a friend to drive you to the DMV. Weekday mornings have shorter queues, so go early. Bring your vehicle license and ID card. To be safe, set a phone reminder to avoid forgetting again.
Buddy, don't be foolish enough to drive around if your vehicle's inspection has expired. If caught by the police, you'll face fines, penalty points, and possibly even license suspension—it's just not worth it. An expired inspection is like an expired ID card; driving with it is illegal, and your insurance becomes invalid. Make time to get it sorted ASAP—download the DMV app to schedule an online inspection, saving both time and effort. If it's only slightly overdue, a simple reinspection will do, but if left too long, you might need to retake tests and pay extra. While you're at it, get some maintenance done, like clearing fault lights, for safer driving down the road. Don't slack off on important matters—safety comes first.
