Do I need to go to the vehicle management office for annual inspection after four years of owning a sedan?
2 Answers
A sedan that has been in use for four years requires an annual inspection at the vehicle management office. For the fourth year of a motor vehicle, it falls under regular annual inspection. For passenger vehicles with fewer than seven seats, you only need to bring the vehicle registration certificate, the owner's ID card, and a valid compulsory traffic insurance policy. Definition of annual inspection: Vehicle annual inspection refers to a mandatory test for all vehicles that have obtained official license plates and registration certificates. It is equivalent to an annual physical examination for the vehicle according to the "Technical Conditions for Motor Vehicle Operation Safety." Annual inspection content: The inspection includes exhaust emission testing, checking for traffic violations, paying a deposit, exterior inspection, on-site testing, and final review. Purpose of vehicle annual inspection: Vehicle annual inspections help promptly eliminate potential safety hazards, encourage better vehicle maintenance, and reduce the occurrence of traffic accidents.
My car has just reached its four-year mark, and I recently completed these procedures. For small passenger vehicles, the first six years indeed exempt them from on-site inspection, meaning no need to queue at the inspection station for a vehicle check, let alone undergo emission and brake tests at the DMV. However, remember to apply for the exemption decal every two years. For example, you can simply upload photos of your vehicle license and insurance policy on the official 12123 app—it’s very convenient. Last time I submitted the documents via the app, I received an SMS notification the next day to pick up the decal at a nearby service point. Why is the policy set up this way? It’s to reduce the burden on car owners, but don’t slack on maintenance. Regularly check tire pressure and brake pads to ensure safety. A four-year-old car is still relatively new, but before long trips, I make it a habit to inspect lights and wipers to avoid trouble on the road. In short, exemption from inspection doesn’t mean neglecting your car’s condition. Just apply for the decal on time, and the app makes it easy and effortless.
