Do I still need an annual inspection if I have a six-year exemption?
2 Answers
An annual inspection is still required. The six-year exemption refers to exemption from on-site vehicle testing, not exemption from the annual inspection itself. Eligible vehicles under the six-year exemption policy are exempt from the on-site testing process (i.e., vehicle inspection), but owners must still apply for the annual inspection decal (the sticker placed on the windshield) every two years. In other words, the exemption only removes the vehicle inspection step, while the annual inspection decal must still be renewed biennially. For passenger cars, the first annual inspection is conducted when the vehicle reaches six years of age. Non-commercial small and micro passenger vehicles, including family cars older than six years but less than 10 years, require an inspection every two years. For vehicles exactly six years old, the owner must drive the vehicle to an inspection station with their ID card, vehicle registration certificate, vehicle and vessel tax or tax exemption certificate, and compulsory traffic insurance policy. After passing the inspection, a certificate will be issued, which, along with the submitted documents, must be presented at the relevant counter to obtain the annual inspection decal.
Last time when my new car was over two years old, I went to the vehicle management office to handle the six-year exemption from inspection procedure. The staff reminded me that although the car didn’t need an on-site inspection, I still had to visit every two years to collect the annual inspection sticker. The process is quite simple—just bring your ID card, vehicle license, and a copy of the compulsory traffic insurance policy, and you can get the new sticker to put on your windshield right away. This process helps confirm the basic condition of your vehicle, allowing you to detect and fix minor issues early, saving both money and hassle. Nowadays, mobile apps also have reminder features, so it’s advisable to set a calendar alert to avoid forgetting and getting fined by traffic police for overdue inspection. In short, exemption from inspection doesn’t mean complete neglect—regularly checking and updating the sticker ensures your driving safety and legal compliance on the road.
