Do I need to go to the DMV for an annual inspection two years after buying a new car?
2 Answers
New cars do not require an in-person inspection at the DMV after two years. You only need to apply for the inspection compliance mark on the Comprehensive Traffic Safety Service Management Platform. Below are detailed explanations about vehicle annual inspections: Overview: Vehicle annual inspection refers to the yearly examination of vehicles that have obtained official license plates and registration certificates, conducted according to the "Technical Conditions for Motor Vehicle Operation Safety." The purpose is to check the main technical conditions of the vehicle, encourage enhanced maintenance, ensure the vehicle remains in good condition, and guarantee driving safety. Others: For passenger vehicles used for commercial purposes, inspections are required once a year within the first five years. After five years, inspections are required every six months. For trucks and large or medium-sized non-commercial passenger vehicles, inspections are required once a year within the first ten years. After ten years, inspections are required every six months. Motor vehicle annual inspections are divided into initial inspections and regular inspections.
I found that new cars indeed require handling annual inspection matters at the vehicle management office after two years. Don't worry, it's not an annual on-site inspection anymore—current policies are quite friendly to ordinary small new cars, requiring only the second and fourth years within the first six years to apply for an exemption inspection label. Here's how I did it: bring the vehicle license and ID card to the vehicle management office counter, fill out a simple form, or directly apply online via the Traffic Management 12123 app—the whole process takes just ten minutes, saving both money and hassle. If delayed for too long, you might face a small fine or affect the vehicle's road eligibility, so check for policy updates two or three months in advance to avoid forgetting. Safety first—regularly confirming these ensures the car runs reliably, especially with so many vehicles and pedestrians on the road. Don't add unnecessary risks over such small matters. I make it a habit to remind myself of the inspection schedule yearly, reducing trouble and avoiding peak-time queues.
