What to Do If Vehicle Inspection Is Overdue?
3 Answers
If you realize that your vehicle has exceeded the annual inspection deadline, the first thing to do is to stop driving the vehicle on the road and complete the inspection procedures as soon as possible. For any traffic accidents caused, the party involved will bear full or primary responsibility, and the insurance company will not be liable. Vehicles can apply for inspection within 3 months before the annual inspection date. It is best to do so two months or more in advance, rather than waiting until the inspection deadline is approaching.
I also forgot about my vehicle inspection last month and was a month overdue, which made me quite anxious. Driving with an expired inspection carries significant risks and could result in a fine of 100-200 yuan. I immediately checked local policies and found that penalties vary by region, with some areas offering a 30-day grace period. I quickly booked an appointment at a nearby testing station and brought my ID card and vehicle registration. The emissions and brake checks took about an hour that day, and fortunately, my car passed in one go thanks to its good condition. After an overdue inspection, it's best to avoid driving until it's resolved, or you risk getting points deducted if caught by the police. Setting a reminder on your phone calendar is a good idea—don’t procrastinate like I did. Insurance coverage might also be affected, potentially leading to claim denials in case of an accident.
I've been driving for decades, and overdue issues are common and simple to handle. Don't rush to drive; the key is to schedule the annual inspection as soon as possible. Driving overdue can result in fines starting from a few hundred yuan, possible points deduction, and even vehicle impoundment in severe cases. I just drive straight to the DMV inspection site, ensuring the lights and tires are in good condition beforehand, and having all documents ready saves time. Make it a habit to get the vehicle inspected on a fixed date every year, like when changing tires in spring. If overdue for too long, additional inspection fees may apply—don’t compromise safety. Remember, insurance may not cover accidents during the overdue period, so the costs can add up. Address it early.
