Will there be penalties for forgetting the annual inspection of a car within 6 years?
3 Answers
For vehicles exempt from inspection within the first 6 years, if the owner forgets to undergo the inspection, they can still obtain the annual inspection sticker from the traffic department, but they will face corresponding penalties. Introduction to the Annual Inspection Sticker: Since private car owners generally maintain their vehicles well, and the braking systems and other components of the vehicles are unlikely to have significant issues, the government has exempted these vehicles from the requirement to undergo inspection at testing stations every two years. However, this does not mean that the inspection sticker does not need to be obtained. Inspection: For vehicles registered after September 2010, owners still need to bring the compulsory traffic accident liability insurance certificate and the proof of vehicle and vessel tax payment or exemption every two years. After handling any traffic violations or accidents, they must apply for the inspection sticker at the vehicle management office. No fees are charged when issuing the inspection sticker.
Last year I was too busy and forgot to do the annual inspection for my car. It was only 4 years old, and I thought I didn’t need to go to the inspection station, so I got careless. Then I got pulled over by traffic police on my way to work, got fined 200 yuan and had points deducted from my license—what bad luck! Later, I found out that for cars under 6 years old, you don’t need an on-site inspection every year, but you must apply for the annual inspection decal on the 12123 app every 2 years. If you don’t do it, it counts as a violation. This rule in our country is to ensure vehicle safety—don’t underestimate it. Not only does it cause trouble, but if you have an accident, the insurance company might use it as an excuse not to pay, and that would be a huge loss. So I quickly made up for it on the app, and luckily, the process was fast without much hassle. I suggest everyone set a phone reminder—don’t be like me.
As a seasoned driver with years of experience behind the wheel, I must emphasize that forgetting your annual vehicle inspection is no trivial matter. Although new vehicles are exempt from on-site inspections for the first six years, you must obtain the inspection decal through the DMV or an app in the second and fourth years. Otherwise, if caught on the road without it, you could face a fine ranging from 200 to 500 yuan and possibly lose 3 points on your driver's license. I urge everyone not to take chances—these regulations are in place to ensure road safety and prevent hazards from aging vehicle components. What's worse, delaying your inspection can affect insurance claims and even make it difficult to renew your policy. The remedy is straightforward: immediately apply online via the 12123 app or visit your local DMV to rectify the situation. And don’t forget to regularly check your vehicle's condition—it’s a simple habit that can save you a lot of trouble.
