Do vehicles over 6 years old require annual inspections?
2 Answers
After the initial six-year exemption from inspection, vehicles over 6 years old must undergo annual inspections. For vehicles over 15 years old, inspections are required every six months. Vehicle inspections help promptly eliminate safety hazards, encourage proper maintenance, and reduce traffic accidents. Vehicle inspection refers to mandatory testing for all vehicles with official license plates and registration certificates, equivalent to an annual physical examination conducted according to the "Technical Conditions for Motor Vehicle Operation Safety." Vehicle inspection process: 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. Upon passing the inspection, a certificate will be issued, which, along with the required documents, must be presented at the relevant window to obtain the annual inspection sticker. Inspection cycle regulations: Operational passenger vehicles: Annual inspection for the first 5 years; every 6 months thereafter. Trucks and large/medium-sized non-operational passenger vehicles: Annual inspection for the first 10 years; every 6 months thereafter. Small and mini non-operational passenger vehicles: Inspection every 2 years for the first 6 years, with eligible vehicles only needing to apply for an inspection sticker. Starting November 20, 2020, 7-9 seat non-operational mini/micro passenger vehicles (excluding vans) are included in the exemption. Non-operational mini/micro passenger vehicles (excluding vans) over 6 but under 10 years old: Starting November 20, 2020, the inspection cycle was relaxed from annual to biennial, meaning private cars require only 2 on-site inspections within 10 years (at years 6 and 8). Private vehicles over 10 years old: The original inspection cycle applies—annual inspections for 10-15 years, and every 6 months for vehicles over 15 years.
When I first drove an 8-year-old car, I was also worried about having to deal with the annual inspection every year. Later, I found out that there are clear rules in the policy. In China, new cars are exempt from inspection for the first 6 years but require a label every two years. My car falls into the category of being over 6 years but not yet 10 years old, so it doesn’t need an inspection every year—only every two years. Annual inspections only start when the car is over 10 years old. This is important because the inspection isn’t just a formality; it checks the brakes, lights, and engine condition to ensure the car is safe and prevent accidents on the road. I remember last time my headlights were old and almost failed, but I replaced the bulbs in advance and passed smoothly. Regular maintenance can reduce problems, and if ignored, it might cost more for repairs later. Friends with cars over 6 years old, don’t panic—getting inspected every two years isn’t too much hassle.
