
Not necessarily. Below is the relevant introduction to annual inspections: 1. Introduction: If it is an operational passenger vehicle or a cargo vehicle, then an annual inspection is required every year after purchase. However, if it is a private car that meets the exemption conditions, it is exempt from inspection within 6 years. Although within the exemption period, every two years you still need to submit proof of compulsory traffic insurance and vehicle and vessel tax to the vehicle management office to apply for an exemption mark, but the car does not need to undergo an on-site inspection. 2. Extension: Non-operational small and micro passenger vehicles that meet the exemption conditions are exempt from on-site inspections within 6 years, inspected every two years within 10 years, inspected once a year after exceeding 10 years, and inspected every 6 months after exceeding 15 years.

My car was also purchased in 2019 and I just went through this. A new car bought in 2019 will reach its 2-year mark by 2021, which means it's time for the annual inspection procedure. However, it's important to note that new cars within 6 years don't actually need to go to the inspection station for physical testing. You just need to apply for the inspection exemption mark either through the Traffic Management 12123 app or at the vehicle management office window. Last time I did it online by uploading the compulsory traffic insurance certificate and the vehicle and vessel tax proof, and I received the electronic inspection mark within three days. Remember to handle any traffic violations before applying - I got delayed for a week because of an unpaid parking ticket. Although there's no need for a physical inspection, forgetting to complete the procedure can still result in a 200-yuan fine and 1 penalty point if caught.

According to the vehicle inspection regulations, privately-owned cars registered in 2019 must complete their first annual inspection by 2021. For new vehicles within the first 6 years, they enjoy an exemption from on-site testing, meaning you don't need to queue for exhaust emission tests or brake inspections. The focus is on promptly obtaining the inspection compliance sticker. The latest you should handle this is within three months before the inspection validity period ends. For example, if the vehicle registration certificate states the inspection is valid until October 2021, it's safest to do it in July or August. Remember to bring the vehicle registration certificate and a copy of the compulsory traffic insurance policy (electronic policies are also acceptable now). For company vehicles, the official seal is additionally required. Although the procedure is simple, failing to complete the inspection on time could result in a 3-point penalty and a fine starting from 200 yuan if stopped by traffic police, and insurance companies may also increase premiums upon renewal.

Simply put: paperwork is required, but no vehicle inspection is needed. This is exactly how I handled my 2019 Corolla in 2021: first check for any outstanding traffic violations, then submit the annual inspection application via the mobile app "Traffic Management 12123", upload the required documents, and the system automatically generates an electronic inspection label. The whole process takes just ten minutes without even needing to visit the DMV. Here's a reminder to pay attention to the inspection validity period on the supplementary page of the vehicle license. Typically, the first inspection for a new car is due two years after registration. Missing the deadline and resulting in an expired inspection not only leads to penalties but also gives insurance companies grounds to deny claims in case of an accident. It's safest to complete the process one month in advance to avoid the year-end rush.


