Does a 2012 vehicle need to undergo inspection this year?
3 Answers
12-year-old vehicles were subject to inspection in 2021. Different model years have varying inspection requirements. There are multiple types of vehicles. Below is detailed information about vehicle classifications: Overview: Vehicle type refers to a classification based on common characteristics, intended use, and functionality. Examples include passenger cars, trucks, buses, trailers, and incomplete vehicles, each constituting a distinct category. Additional Information: Heavy-duty vehicles are defined as those with a length ≥6m and gross weight ≥12,000kg. Medium-duty vehicles measure ≥6m in length with gross weight between 4,500kg and 12,000kg. Light-duty vehicles are <6m long with gross weight <4,500kg. Mini vehicles have length ≤3.5m and payload capacity ≤1,800kg.
I also drive a 2012 model car, which must undergo an inspection this year. According to current regulations, vehicles within 6 years are exempt from inspection and only need to collect the label, while vehicles aged 6 to 10 years must undergo inspections in the 6th, 8th, and 10th years. Your car is now in its 11th year, exceeding the 10-year mark, so it requires an annual inspection. I just queued at the inspection station a few days ago—the process isn’t too complicated: bring your vehicle license and compulsory traffic insurance policy to the inspection line, where they’ll check items like brakes, lights, and emissions. Remember to settle any traffic violations beforehand; last time, I had to make an extra trip because of an unpaid parking ticket. Older cars naturally take more time during inspections, especially with emissions being a common issue. I recommend avoiding the end-of-month rush and going on a weekday morning—it can be done in as fast as half an hour.
Last month, I accompanied my friend to get his 2012 vintage car inspected. Vehicles over 10 years old must undergo annual mandatory inspections. The process is quite straightforward: first, pay fees and submit documents at the counter, then drive the car onto the inspection line for brake and headlight intensity checks, followed by an emissions test. The key is to ensure the compulsory traffic insurance is valid and bring a copy of the owner's ID card. Older cars with rusted chassis or aged bulbs often fail inspection—my friend had to replace two turn signals to pass. Nowadays, you can book inspection stations online, choosing less crowded timeslots to save significant time, with costs around 300 RMB. Remember, tire tread depth must not be below 1.6 mm, as this is one of the most common reasons for inspection failure.
