
2021 new regulations for annual inspection of 7-seater vehicles: 1. Non-operational small and micro passenger vehicles with 7 to 9 seats within 6 years are included in the exemption range. 2. For non-operational small and micro passenger vehicles over 6 years but less than 10 years, the inspection frequency is adjusted from once a year to once every two years. The following three situations are not eligible for the exemption policy: 1. Minivans. 2. Vehicles that have been legally penalized for illegal modifications. 3. Vehicles involved in traffic accidents causing casualties. 4. Vehicles that have not completed registration procedures for more than 4 years since the date of manufacture are not eligible for the 6-year exemption policy. The following documents are required for the annual inspection: 1. Owner's ID card. 2. Original vehicle license. 3. Valid compulsory traffic insurance policy. 4. Proof of payment (or exemption) of vehicle and vessel tax for the current year (the vehicle and vessel tax proof is usually included in the compulsory traffic insurance policy).

I also paid attention to this issue before, because I drive a 2021 seven-seater SUV, which indeed qualifies for the six-year exemption from physical inspection policy. According to national regulations, this benefit applies to non-commercial private vehicles with nine seats or fewer. Owners need to apply for the inspection exemption mark online every two years, but the vehicle does not require an on-site inspection. My car is a Toyota Highlander seven-seater version, registered in 2021, and I just applied for the second exemption mark last year. The process was very simple and could be done via a mobile app, saving me from queuing. The exemption period will last until 2027, after which the vehicle will need an annual inspection. Since the policy was implemented in 2020, it has remained stable, and seven-seater SUVs are clearly included. Car owners can check their vehicle registration certificate or consult a 4S store to confirm and avoid believing rumors. Although the exemption saves trouble, regular maintenance is still necessary to ensure driving safety.

A friend of mine drives a 2021 seven-seat SUV, which qualifies for the six-year exemption from inspection according to the policy. China's new vehicle inspection exemption policy clearly states that private vehicles with nine seats or fewer are covered, so a seven-seater is completely fine. For the first six years, you only need to submit materials online or at the vehicle management office every two years to receive the inspection exemption sticker—no need to visit an inspection station. This policy saves time and money, making it very user-friendly for car owners. Just remember to ensure the vehicle is not used for commercial purposes; rental cars or ride-hailing services like Didi are excluded. In practice, I've used the Traffic Management 12123 App, which made the process effortless. Annual inspections only start after the sixth year, so just keep up with regular maintenance and mark the deadlines to avoid missing the application. I recommend downloading a reminder app or checking with the vehicle management office for policy updates to prevent late fees.

I learned from the DMV that indeed, 7-seater SUVs in 2021 can enjoy a 6-year exemption from inspection. The applicable condition is private vehicles with fewer than 9 seats, which are exempt from on-site inspections for the first six years but require applying for the inspection decal every two years. If your vehicle is non-commercial and meets the seating requirement, it's completely fine. During the exemption period, owners only need to submit the required materials within 30 days before the deadline, making the process quick. A related suggestion is to keep the purchase invoice and vehicle license as proof. The policy is stable, so owners should frequently check the deadlines to avoid oversight. The benefit of this exemption is saving hassle, making travel more worry-free.


