Does a 15-year-old vehicle require biannual inspections?
4 Answers
Vehicles that have been in use for fifteen years require biannual inspections. Below are the specific regulations for vehicles of different ages: 1. Passenger vehicles for commercial use: Passenger vehicles for commercial use must undergo one inspection per year within the first 5 years; after 5 years, they must be inspected every 6 months. 2. Trucks and large or medium-sized non-commercial passenger vehicles: Trucks and large or medium-sized non-commercial passenger vehicles must undergo one inspection per year within the first 10 years; after 10 years, they must be inspected every 6 months. 3. Small and mini non-commercial passenger vehicles: Small and mini non-commercial passenger vehicles must undergo one inspection every 2 years within the first 6 years; after 6 years, they must be inspected once per year; after 15 years, they must be inspected every 6 months.
I've been driving for quite a few years now, and my nearly two decades of driving experience have made me well aware of the rules for these older cars. Vehicles over fifteen years old indeed require two annual inspections, usually scheduled once in the first half and once in the second half of the year. This is mainly because as cars age, various parts wear out significantly, increasing safety risks—for instance, the braking system might fail, or the exhaust pipe is prone to corrosion. Take my own 2005 Jetta, for example; every spring, I have to make a trip to the DMV to queue up for an inspection, and then do it all over again in the fall. Don’t find it troublesome—it’s a big deal. If something goes wrong on the road, it’s not just dangerous for you but also affects others. I recommend making an appointment a month in advance and checking the lights and tires while you’re at it. This way, the pass rate is higher, saving you the hassle of going back and forth.
I've worked in an auto repair shop for over a decade and often get asked similar questions by customers. Let me be clear: vehicles over 15 years old indeed require biannual inspections as mandated by traffic laws, primarily to ensure safety since core components like engines and chassis age rapidly in older cars. During inspections, special attention is paid to braking performance, exhaust emissions, and steering systems - these are the most common failure points. Based on my experience, owners should perform basic pre-inspection checks on battery voltage and headlight brightness to avoid repeat tests. Remember to bring your vehicle license and insurance documents. With recent hot weather causing long queues, arriving early saves time.
I haven't been driving for long. A while ago, my dad's old car just turned fifteen years old, and it was only after consulting knowledgeable friends that I learned it requires two annual inspections each year. The last time I went with him to the inspection station, there were so many people that we waited for two hours, but I picked up a few things: things like lights and the horn must be working properly, or they'll send you right back. They said that as vehicles age, engine performance declines, so more frequent checks are required. I think new drivers shouldn't stress too much—as long as you keep up with regular maintenance and the car doesn't have major issues, it usually passes. I'm planning to note down the inspection dates to avoid any inconvenience later.
