Difference in Annual Inspection Between 5-Seater and 7-Seater Vehicles

[MacEmily]

Five-seater vehicles are exempt from on-site inspection within the first six years, while seven-seater vehicles are not included in the exemption. Below are the details regarding the six-year exemption policy: 1. Vehicle types eligible for the six-year exemption policy: Non-commercial large, small, and mini cars, as well as non-commercial small and mini passenger vehicles. The following non-commercial vehicles are not included: police cars, fire trucks, ambulances, rescue vehicles, commercial-to-non-commercial converted vehicles, taxi-to-non-commercial converted vehicles, and motorcycles. Non-commercial 7-seater vehicles are not eligible for the six-year exemption. 2. Eligibility based on purchase date: Vehicles purchased after September 2010 qualify for the six-year exemption policy. For example, vehicles purchased after September 2010 can enjoy one exemption, while those purchased after September 2012 can enjoy two exemptions. This means that vehicles registered before September 2010 still need to undergo annual inspections as per national regulations.

[MiaLee]

Speaking of the difference in annual inspections between five-seater and seven-seater vehicles, I think my personal driving experience illustrates it most directly. When I drove a five-seater, I basically didn’t need to visit the inspection station for the first six years—just getting the inspection sticker online every two years was enough, saving both time and effort. However, after switching to a seven-seater SUV, I had to go through an on-site inspection every two years during the first six years, spending half a day in line and paying higher fees, as vehicles with more seats are often considered more prone to overloading or mechanical issues. The inspection items themselves are quite similar, covering core aspects like safety performance and emissions, but the frequency differs significantly. This makes the routine maintenance costs for seven-seaters noticeably higher, so it’s worth carefully considering whether your family’s needs justify the hassle when choosing a car. If you frequently transport family members, the extra space is a definite advantage, but the frequent inspections can be quite frustrating.

[RyderFitz]

As a budget-conscious person, I find the most noticeable difference in annual inspections lies in the cost. For a five-seater family car, it's exempt from on-site inspections within the first six years—just some paperwork to get the sticker, costing almost nothing. Seven-seaters aren't so lucky; they must undergo on-site inspections every two years during the first six years, adding hundreds of yuan in fees and half a day of hassle. Failing an inspection means even more trouble with repairs. Insurance premiums might also be slightly higher since seven-seaters are considered higher risk. In the long run, when choosing a seven-seater for its spacious comfort, factor in these increased inspection costs—they add up over time and impact overall car maintenance economics. Don’t underestimate these differences; small amounts accumulate. Before buying, consult friends’ experiences to avoid unexpected burdens later.

[StNora]

The number of seats does affect annual inspection rules. According to Chinese regulations, non-commercial 5-seat vehicles are exempt from on-site inspections for the first six years, only requiring a biennial inspection sticker. Vehicles with seven or more seats (including 7-seaters) must undergo biennial on-site inspections at testing stations during the first six years to ensure safety. The rationale is that more seats increase the probability of overloading and higher risks. The inspection items remain identical—comprehensive checks including lights, brakes, and emissions—to prevent road hazards. This differentiated approach is reasonable, enhancing public safety by reminding owners not to neglect maintenance. When purchasing, remember: while 7-seaters offer advantages, they require more inspection effort—prioritize compliance with safety principles.