Does a 2016 car need an annual inspection in 2021?
3 Answers
A 2016 car does not require an annual inspection in 2021. Introduction: For 5-seat passenger cars, there is a 6-year exemption from vehicle inspection, but you still need to get a stamp at the vehicle management office. For 7-seat vehicles, inspections are required every 2 years. According to regulations, non-operational mini and small passenger vehicles are exempt from inspection for the first 6 years after purchase; vehicles older than 6 years must undergo annual inspections; vehicles older than 15 years must be inspected every six months. Additional Information: Vehicle inspection requirements depend on the vehicle's first registration date and type. Under the new rules, vehicles within the first 6 years do not require on-site inspections, but owners must still provide proof of compulsory traffic accident liability insurance, tax payment or exemption certificates for vehicle and vessel tax, and resolve any traffic violations or accidents before applying for the inspection label from the traffic management department.
I drive a 2016 car. Back in 2021, there was indeed no need to go through the hassle of taking it to the inspection station for the annual check because new cars are exempt from on-site inspections for the first six years. All I needed to do was apply for the inspection label online. At that time, the car was only about 5 years old, still in pretty good shape. I just used the Traffic Management 12123 app to handle it directly—super simple. I entered the license plate number and engine number, confirmed that the insurance and traffic violations were all sorted, and it was done in just a few minutes. To be honest, it saved a lot of time and hassle, and during the pandemic, avoiding crowds was a relief. But remember not to procrastinate—failing to apply for the label on time can result in fines and affect insurance claims. Usually, just pay extra attention to the brakes and tire wear, and make it a habit to avoid any mishaps.
In 2021, I drove my 2016 compact car without visiting the inspection station, and simply applied for the inspection label via my phone. The new regulations allow vehicles to be exempt from on-site inspection within the first 6 years, and my car was only in its 5th year, well within the timeframe. I uploaded photos of my vehicle license and scanned copies of my insurance policy through the Traffic Management 12123 app, and the system automatically reviewed them, which was quite convenient and cost me nothing. I recommend handling this early and not waiting until the last day, as any unresolved traffic violations could cause trouble. This policy saves a lot of hassle, making it more convenient to drive.
