Does a 6-year-old vehicle need to undergo an on-site inspection for its annual check?
2 Answers
The 6th year means that the vehicle is no longer exempt from inspection and requires an on-site inspection, along with applying for the annual inspection sticker. Small and micro non-commercial passenger vehicles must be inspected once every 2 years within the first 6 years, once every year after exceeding 6 years, and once every 6 months after exceeding 15 years. 1. For a vehicle that is exactly 6 years old, the annual inspection process is the same as a regular inspection. You need to drive the vehicle to the inspection station, bringing your ID card, vehicle license, vehicle and vessel tax or tax exemption certificate, and compulsory traffic insurance policy. After passing the inspection, you will receive a certification form, which, along with the documents you brought, should be submitted to the relevant window to obtain the annual inspection sticker. 2. During the 6-year exemption period, owners are not completely free from obligations. Every 2 years, they still need to bring documents such as the compulsory insurance policy and vehicle and vessel tax proof to the traffic management department to apply for the annual inspection sticker, which must be affixed to the upper right corner of the windshield. Additionally, it is crucial to note that all traffic violations related to the vehicle must be settled before the annual inspection; otherwise, the inspection cannot be processed.
When a car reaches its sixth year, it indeed requires an on-site inspection. My car just went through this phase last year - had to drive to a designated inspection station and waited in line all afternoon. The inspection covers many items including brake performance, headlight brightness, and exhaust emissions. Since vehicles after six years experience more wear and tear, many potential issues can easily be overlooked. The chance of passing without an on-site inspection is slim unless your car has received exceptional maintenance in previous years. I recommend checking basic items yourself one or two months in advance, such as tire wear and light functionality, to avoid multiple trips if issues arise. On-site inspections ensure road safety and reduce accident risks. National regulations exempt new cars from on-site inspections for the first two and four years, but the sixth year mandates this procedure. Spending some time preparing is worthwhile - driving with peace of mind is what matters most.