Does a 4-year-old car require an annual inspection?
4 Answers
According to the "Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China," non-commercial vehicles that are 4 years old do not require an annual inspection, while commercial vehicles do. The documents needed for the annual inspection include the vehicle's license, a valid compulsory traffic insurance policy, the owner's ID card, and all traffic violation records must be cleared in advance. Non-commercial vehicles are exempt from on-site inspections within 6 years, only requiring an inspection mark application every two years. For vehicles over 6 years but less than 10 years old, inspections are required every two years, meaning private cars only need two on-site inspections within 10 years, at the 6th and 8th years. Private cars aged 10-15 years require an annual inspection, while those over 15 years old require inspections every six months. Commercial passenger vehicles require an annual inspection within 5 years and every six months thereafter. Trucks and large/medium non-commercial passenger vehicles require an annual inspection within 10 years and every six months thereafter. Motorcycles require an inspection every two years within 4 years and annually thereafter. According to the "Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China," the main items of vehicle annual inspection include: Appearance inspection: Mainly checks vehicle lights, body appearance, suspension, sunroof, and tires. It verifies if the lights are functioning properly, if there are any color changes to the body, and if the suspension has been modified. Emission test: Checks if the vehicle's tailpipe emissions meet national standards during high-speed operation. On-site inspection: Primarily examines the vehicle's braking system, headlights, horn, and chassis. Violation check: All traffic violation records must be cleared before the annual inspection to pass. The annual inspection can be conducted up to 90 days in advance but must not be overdue. According to the "Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China," the consequences of overdue inspections are as follows: Vehicles that fail to undergo the annual inspection on time are not allowed on the road. Driving an overdue vehicle results in a 3-point penalty and a 200 RMB fine. In case of a traffic accident involving an uninspected vehicle, the owner bears full or primary responsibility, and the insurance company will not compensate. Driving an overdue vehicle is considered illegal and may lead to vehicle impoundment.
When it comes to the annual inspection for a four-year-old car, I drive one around that age and often discuss this in car owner groups. For the first six years after purchasing a new car, the government has a policy exempting it from on-site testing, meaning you don’t have to queue up at inspection stations every year for emissions or brake checks. My car, which just turned four last year, only required me to upload my ID and insurance documents via the 12123 app at home, click a few times, and voilà—I got the inspection sticker, saving both time and money. Why this rule? New cars fresh off the production line are in good condition with fewer faults, meeting both environmental and safety standards. But that doesn’t mean skipping maintenance—I visit the garage every 10,000 km to check tire pressure and lights. After the sixth year, annual on-site inspections kick in, so it’s smart to learn more about car care now, like keeping maintenance records to avoid hassles. Bottom line: no need to panic over inspections for a four-year-old car, but don’t slack on checking the details either.
As someone who frequently deals with vehicles, I've observed that the new car exemption rules are very user-friendly for owners. Cars within four years fall under the six-year exemption from on-site inspections, directly eliminating cumbersome steps. The process is simple: every two years, submit the required materials to the vehicle management office or an online platform to receive the inspection exemption sticker, with no need to physically visit a testing station. The policy is based on big data, as new cars have a low probability of failure in their early years, making it both convenient and beneficial for traffic efficiency. However, it's important to remind everyone that exemption doesn't mean you can ignore everything. Regular self-checks, such as inspecting light brightness and tire wear, can prevent sudden issues. Long-term vehicle maintenance is crucial—I've seen drivers neglect minor issues, leading to major repairs. A four-year-old car is in its prime; paying attention to oil, water, and battery conditions and developing good habits will make future inspections smoother. From the sixth year onward, on-site inspections are required, which can be time-consuming, so understanding the rules early is highly beneficial.
My four-year-old commuter car is frequently used to pick up and drop off the kids at school. New car owners often ask about annual inspections: for the first six years, no physical inspection is required—like me, just operate the app every two years to get the sticker. Driving safety comes first, but new cars meet high factory standards, so skipping inspections in the early years is a relief. Before each application, I check brake sensitivity and lighting to ensure no hidden hazards. The policy is well-designed, as new cars have minimal wear and meet environmental standards—any issues can be quickly fixed at repair shops. Remember to apply for the sticker on time to avoid fines and insurance issues. At four years old, it’s still early—focus more on routine maintenance like cleaning the fuel system and removing carbon buildup for long-term safety and cost savings.
