Does a 2012 vehicle require annual inspection in 2021?
2 Answers
If a 2012 vehicle underwent annual inspection before the new policy implementation, it requires inspection in 2021; if inspected after November 20, 2020, no inspection is needed in 2021. Relevant details about vehicle annual inspection are as follows: Non-operational mini and micro passenger vehicles (7-9 seats) within 6 years: Eligible vehicles are exempt from inspection. Non-operational mini and micro passenger vehicles: Over 6 years but under 10 years, the inspection frequency changes from once per year to once every two years. For private vehicles over 10 years: The original inspection cycle applies, i.e., once per year for vehicles aged 10-15 years, and once every six months for vehicles over 15 years.
My car is a 2012 model, and I was still driving it in 2021, so it definitely needed an annual inspection. At that time, the car was already 9 years old. According to the rules, new cars are exempt from inspection for the first few years, but after five or six years, you have to go for an inspection every year. I made an appointment at the local DMV a month in advance, bringing my vehicle registration, ID card, and the fee was a little over a hundred yuan—not too expensive. I remember the queue was super long that day; going early when it's crowded can save you time. The inspection items included lights, brakes, and safety devices. I recommend doing some simple maintenance beforehand, like replacing bulbs, so you can pass in one go. Don’t slack off—if you skip the inspection and get into an accident, it could be a huge hassle.
