Resolve Traffic Violations Before the Annual Inspection
Before the annual inspection, ensure there are no outstanding traffic violation records associated with the vehicle. You can handle this online using the "Violation Processing" feature on the "Traffic Management 12123" (Jiaoguan 12123) app; otherwise, the vehicle will fail the inspection.
One car owner only discovered two unresolved violations upon arriving at the inspection station; they had to return to settle them first, wasting half a day in the process.
Ensure Compulsory Traffic Liability Insurance is Valid
Compulsory traffic liability insurance is a mandatory requirement for the annual inspection. If the policy has expired, you must renew it before proceeding with the inspection (you can check the policy's validity period via the app).
One owner forgot to renew their expired compulsory insurance and was turned away at the inspection station; they were only able to complete the inspection the day after renewing the policy.
Service the Vehicle in Advance
Before the physical inspection, it is advisable to have the vehicle fully serviced. Focus on checking the brakes, lights, tires, and exhaust emissions to ensure the vehicle passes on the first attempt.
"Old Zhou" always takes his car to a repair shop for a "pre-inspection service package" before the annual check; he has passed on the first try for the past five years without ever incurring re-inspection fees.
The frequency of annual inspections for sedans depends on the vehicle's age: for cars under 6 years old, you simply obtain an inspection sticker every two years; for cars aged 6–10 years, a physical inspection is required every two years; and for cars over 10 years old, a physical inspection is required annually. You can use the "Traffic Management 12123" app to easily check status, make appointments, and handle the inspection process efficiently.