
If you forget the annual inspection, the first thing to do is to stop driving the vehicle on the road and proceed with the inspection process as soon as possible. Specific requirements for overdue annual inspection: First, prepare the original copy of the "Motor Vehicle Driving License," the original valid compulsory traffic accident liability insurance policy for the current year, the valid tax payment or tax exemption certificate for the current year's vehicle and vessel tax, and the original copy of your identity proof. Since the owner's identity information needs to be recorded during the process, the original ID card must be submitted. If an agent applies, in addition to the agent's ID card, a written power of attorney signed by the vehicle owner is required. This is very important—without the power of attorney, even if all other documents are complete, the agent cannot handle the process. Second, make an appointment in advance. To complete the annual inspection, you must make an appointment beforehand, and the earliest you can go is the next day. There are two ways to make an appointment: phone appointment or online appointment, both of which are convenient. Penalties for overdue annual inspection: According to relevant traffic laws, vehicles that have not undergone the annual inspection are not qualified to be driven on the road. If caught driving such a vehicle, you will be penalized with a 3-point deduction. Additionally, if any traffic accident occurs due to failure to attend the annual inspection on time, the person involved will bear full or primary responsibility, and the insurance company will not be liable.

Last year, I encountered the same issue—I forgot about the annual inspection and drove out directly, only to be caught by an electronic camera and fined 200 yuan with points deducted. The most troublesome part was that the vehicle was listed as overdue for inspection, rendering the insurance invalid, meaning the insurer could refuse to cover any accidents. I immediately contacted a nearby inspection station, and they recommended towing the vehicle there, as being caught by traffic police on the road could result in the car being impounded. During the re-inspection, aside from the standard inspection fee, I also had to pay a 150 yuan late fee, and the worst part was waiting in line for three hours. Now, I set two reminders on my phone: one 30 days before the inspection is due and another 7 days prior. I suggest you stop driving the vehicle immediately and bring your ID card, vehicle license, and insurance policy to the inspection station—weekday mornings at 8 AM are the least crowded.

Last week, my neighbor Old Zhang just dealt with this issue. Forgetting the annual inspection mainly carries three risks: if caught on the road, it's a 200-yuan fine plus 3 points deducted; insurance becomes invalid, and you'll have to pay out of pocket for any accidents; exceeding three months may result in direct license plate revocation. The remedy process is actually simple: first, check the nearest inspection station at home through the Traffic Management 12123 app, and definitely don't drive there yourself. Call for roadside assistance or ask a free relative to help drive over, remembering to bring a copy of the vehicle owner's ID card, the vehicle registration certificate, and a copy of the valid compulsory traffic insurance. During the inspection, the staff will focus on items like brakes and lights—if you've modified the rims, restore them to their original state beforehand. The whole process takes about two hours, and after the supplementary inspection, remember to keep the receipts for record purposes.

Don't panic if you've forgotten your annual vehicle inspection, I have three practical tips. Immediately open your navigation app to locate the nearest motor vehicle inspection station, then call to confirm they accept overdue inspections. Opt for midday or rainy days when queues are shorter, and remember to bring the original vehicle license and compulsory traffic insurance policy. Expect an additional late fee of several dozen yuan beyond the standard inspection cost, and prepare cash as some smaller stations may not accept mobile payments. On your way back, pay attention to tire pressure and brake abnormalities, as long-overdue inspections can conceal safety hazards. Most importantly, develop a reminder habit: when only one month remains on your inspection sticker, peel it off and stick it inside your new phone case where you'll see it daily.


