
Yes, an on-site inspection is required. According to the Implementation Regulations of the Road Traffic Safety Law, motor vehicles that have been in use for six years must undergo an on-site inspection procedure during the sixth year. This can be processed at the local vehicle management office or the traffic management department of the public security authority. The annual inspection of motor vehicles can be conducted up to three months in advance, which is considered normal timing. Impact of not undergoing inspection: If a motor vehicle fails to complete the annual inspection procedure for three consecutive inspection cycles, it will be subject to mandatory scrapping. Mandatorily scrapped vehicles are not permitted to be driven on the road. It is important to note that three inspection cycles do not necessarily equate to three years; they could be one and a half years, three years, or six years.

My car is exactly six years old now. Last year, I already took it for the mandatory annual inspection. According to regulations, new vehicles are exempt from on-site inspections for the first six years, only requiring the application for an inspection exemption decal every two years via the traffic management app or at service windows. However, after six years, an annual on-site inspection becomes mandatory. For the on-site inspection, you need to drive the car to a designated testing station, spending about half a day to check items like emissions, lights, and brakes. Last time, it cost me around 150 yuan, and the process went smoothly—provided the car is in good condition with no accident records. Regular maintenance is crucial, such as changing tires and cleaning carbon deposits, to avoid issues during inspection that could lead to more troublesome repairs. Timely annual inspections not only help avoid a 200-yuan fine but also ensure driving safety, as six-year-old cars may have aging parts and potential hazards. I recommend booking an inspection slot online in advance and bringing the vehicle license and original insurance policy for a hassle-free experience.

As an experienced driver who frequently handles vehicle affairs, I know that a six-year-old car indeed requires an on-site annual inspection. After the policy change, new cars only need to apply for an exemption sticker every two years for the first six years, but starting from the sixth year, an on-site inspection is required annually. The on-site inspection includes environmental emission tests, brake system checks, and lighting safety checks, among other items. If you skip the inspection, traffic police may impose a fine of 200 yuan upon discovery, and it could also affect insurance claims. I recommend that car owners prepare all necessary documents, such as the vehicle license and ID card, and check the car's condition a day in advance—like ensuring the lights work and the brakes don’t make unusual noises—so the inspection can be passed in one go, saving time and money. By maintaining regular upkeep habits, passing the annual inspection won’t be a challenge.

A six-year-old vehicle must undergo an annual inspection. When I just changed my car, my old one started annual inspections at six years. Simply put, the inspection means driving to the vehicle inspection station to check emissions, lights, and the braking system. Skipping the inspection can result in fines, penalty points, and potential safety hazards. Bring your vehicle license to the local inspection site; it costs around 100 yuan and takes half a day. Regular maintenance like oil changes and brake pad checks can make the inspection easier. Don’t delay—safety comes first.


