Does a 7-year-old vehicle require on-site annual inspection?

[LaDonovan]

Seven-year-old non-operational small passenger vehicles and micro passenger vehicles are eligible for the inspection exemption policy. Below are relevant details about annual inspections: 1. Conditions: Vehicles whose condition does not match the records on the driving license or archives, vehicles with damaged, incomplete, or illegible license plates or driving licenses, or vehicles with self-made license plates. 2. Notes: The exterior of the vehicle must not be modified. The tint of window sunshade or anti-explosion films must not be too dark (interior items should be visible from one meter away; mainly applies to vans and trucks, but not to passenger cars with 5 seats or fewer). Vans and trucks must have enlarged rear license plate numbers. The number of spring leaf plates must not be increased or decreased. The number of seats in vans must not be altered, and a fire extinguisher is required. The compartments of box trucks must not be modified (no side doors, no roof openings, no tailgate additions). Tire sizes must not be altered, and tread patterns on the same axle must be consistent. Vehicles with unresolved traffic violations or those impounded by the court are not eligible for annual inspection.

[Amanda]

I've just dealt with a similar issue—my car is exactly 7 years old. According to the latest policy in China, non-commercial small private vehicles registered after the 2020 regulation only require on-road inspections at the 6th and 10th year within the first decade of the car's lifespan. This means if your car is in its 7th year (e.g., registered for 7 years), it has already passed the 6th-year inspection, and currently, you only need to collect an exemption sticker at the beginning of the second year without visiting an inspection station. I did this last year—the process was super simple, just apply online or swipe at the traffic management office. However, a reminder: even though no on-road inspection is required, you should still check your car’s condition (e.g., lights, brakes) to ensure road safety. Fix any issues early and don’t take it lightly. The policy change is great—it saves time and money—but we car owners shouldn’t slack on necessary maintenance.

[Sally]

As an experienced driver, let me tell you this. For a 7-year-old vehicle, especially a non-commercial private car, it doesn't require an on-site annual inspection under China's new regulations. Since 2020, vehicles within 10 years only need on-site inspections in their 6th and 10th years. Take my first car for example - when it reached 7 years, no inspection was needed, just collecting the label sticker. Pay extra attention to regular maintenance of lights and brakes - though policies are relaxed, safety should never be neglected. I recommend checking your local traffic management app which automatically reminds you of deadlines - extremely convenient. Overall this change reduces burden, but don't forget to conduct simple self-checks every two years - prevention is always better than dealing with accidents.

[DelaneyLee]

I've been researching car policies for years, it's simple. Cars under 7 years don't need on-site inspections! After the new regulations, small vehicles only require on-site inspections in the 6th and 10th year within 10 years. For example, if you bought it in 2020, the 7th year is 2027, just easily get the inspection sticker. Usually pay more attention to the car's condition, like checking tire wear. The policy is people-friendly, don't worry.