Does a 2012 car need inspection this year if it was inspected last year?
2 Answers
A 2012 car that underwent inspection last year does not require inspection this year, but should undergo regular inspection next year. Current regulations stipulate that new cars are inspected once every six years, then every two years from the seventh to tenth year. From ten to fifteen years, annual inspections are required. Vehicle inspections help promptly eliminate safety hazards, encourage proper maintenance, and reduce traffic accidents. Below are the contents of motor vehicle inspections: 1. Document verification: Check for the vehicle manual, certificate of conformity (import vehicles require commodity inspection certificates), and ensure factory inspection marks on the vehicle body are complete. 2. Measurement of vehicle dimensions: Measure internal and external contour dimensions, track width, and wheelbase. Specific measurements include vehicle length, width, height, cargo compartment height and area, track width, and wheelbase. 3. Completion of modification registration form: Conduct inspections according to technical standards. Upon passing, fill out the "Initial Inspection and Modification Registration Form for Motor Vehicles" and specify the curb weight, load capacity, passenger capacity, and driver's compartment seating as per manufacturer specifications.
I've driven many cars and encountered similar situations. If your car was produced in 2012 and just passed inspection last year, you'll definitely need to go for another inspection this year. According to China's annual vehicle inspection policy, cars over 10 years old require annual on-site testing to ensure safety performance standards are met. With an 11-year-old car, various components are aging—brake systems tend to wear out, lights may fail—so regular inspections help identify hidden risks and prevent road accidents. I know many people find it troublesome, but driving without a valid inspection can result in fines over 200 RMB plus additional paperwork, which isn't worth it. It's best to book an inspection slot a few weeks in advance, bring your vehicle license and compulsory insurance policy, and choose a weekday to avoid peak hours. The inspection itself can be completed in about an hour if everything goes smoothly, checking emissions, steering, and suspension—a small cost for a year of worry-free driving.
