Do Pickup Trucks Have a Scrap Period?
3 Answers
Because pickup trucks are classified as light-duty trucks, they have a scrap period. The scrap period for pickup trucks is 10 years, and the mandatory scrap period is 15 years. Here is some additional information: 1. The vehicle scrap period refers to the safety inspection system based on the number of seats and usage time during the vehicle's service life, generally applicable only to commercial vehicles. 2. Regarding the scrap time for motor vehicles: (1) Non-commercial passenger vehicles with 9 seats or fewer have a scrap period of 15 years, and a mandatory scrap period of 20 years. (2) Tourist buses have a scrap period of 10 years, and a mandatory scrap period of 20 years. (3) Commercial passenger vehicles have a scrap period of 10 years, and a mandatory scrap period of 15 years. (4) Light-duty trucks have a scrap period of 10 years, and a mandatory scrap period of 15 years. (5) Passenger vehicles with 20 seats or more have a scrap period of 8 years, and a mandatory scrap period of 12 years. (6) Passenger vehicles with 19 seats or fewer and mini trucks have a scrap period of 8 years.
I've driven pickup trucks for over 20 years. In China, these vehicles are classified as light-duty trucks with a mandatory scrappage period of generally 10 years. After this period, they must be disposed of according to regulations and can no longer be driven on the road, as they are designed to frequently carry heavy loads and experience faster wear and tear. The policy is implemented for safety reasons, aiming to reduce accidents involving older vehicles. However, in practice, if the vehicle is in good condition, its service life might be slightly extended during annual inspections. I recommend regular maintenance, checking the engine and chassis, and avoiding overloading. When scrapping the vehicle, don't abandon it by the roadside; instead, take it to an official recycling center where you can receive some residual value. Pickups are extremely practical, ideal for work or camping, so don't wait until the last minute to take action.
When I chose a pickup truck for its versatility, I later learned about the 10-year mandatory scrapping policy. This means the vehicle must be replaced after a decade, regardless of its condition. As an owner, I now pay extra attention to maintenance to extend its lifespan. Pickups are great for hauling or weekend trips, but once they reach the age limit, they can only be scrapped or repurposed for off-road use. Some regions are piloting the removal of such restrictions, and I hope policies will become more flexible. I recommend keeping detailed mileage and maintenance records for easier evaluation at scrapping time, and avoiding cheap repairs on aging vehicles.
