Does a 2014 car need an on-site inspection in 2021?
2 Answers
A car purchased in 2014 will be in its eighth year by 2021, which is beyond the exemption period, thus requiring an on-site inspection. Here is more information about vehicle inspections: Note 1: Starting from November 20, 2020, non-commercial small and mini passenger vehicles (excluding vans) that are over 6 years but under 10 years old will have their inspection cycle relaxed from once a year to once every two years. This means private cars only need two on-site inspections within 10 years, at the 6th and 8th years. Note 2: For large commercial passenger vehicles and trucks, if the vehicle is under 10 years old, an annual inspection is required. After 10 years, the inspection becomes semi-annual.
Regarding whether a car purchased in 2014 needs to undergo annual inspection in 2021, my own car was bought in 2014, and I took it to the DMV for inspection last year. I remember the staff mentioned that new cars are exempt from on-site inspection for the first 6 years, only requiring a new compliance sticker every two years. However, starting from the 7th year, annual on-site inspections are mandatory because vehicles older than 6 years are more prone to issues. My car was already 7 years old at the time, so I had to queue for checks like emissions and brakes, which took me half a day. It turned out the brake light was faulty, but replacing it on the spot got me through. Skipping the annual inspection not only risks fines but also voids insurance coverage in case of an accident. I advise car owners to perform regular maintenance, such as checking lights and tires in advance, to avoid hassle. Annual inspections are actually beneficial—they help uncover hidden risks and make driving safer. In short, don’t delay; get it done in 2021.
