Does a 9-year-old car require an annual inspection?
3 Answers
No, a 9-year-old car does not require an annual inspection. Here are the relevant details: 1. Inspection schedule: According to national regulations, non-operational small and mini passenger cars (excluding vans) that are over 6 years but under 10 years old have their inspection frequency adjusted from once per year to once every two years. 2. Inspection requirements: The inspection needs to check whether the vehicle's exhaust emissions meet standards and whether the driver has any traffic violation records during the cycle.
I bought a used car a few years ago, and it's now in its ninth year. According to regulations, it doesn't require an annual inspection. New cars are exempt from inspection for the first six years, with the first on-road inspection only in the sixth year, then another inspection in the eighth year. There's a gap in the ninth year where no action is needed, and the next inspection is required in the tenth year. I confirmed this from the inspection records on the vehicle license. If you have any doubts, downloading an app to check is more convenient. At this age, it's better to pay more attention to basic maintenance, such as checking the brake pads and lighting system, to avoid wasting money and time. Safe driving is more important—don't wait until inspection time to discover problems. For my car in its ninth year, it's fine to drive as usual.
Having worked in an auto repair shop for many years, I've encountered numerous car owners asking whether their 9-year-old vehicle requires an annual inspection. The rules are straightforward: new cars are exempt from on-site testing for the first six years, undergo their first inspection at the sixth year, and are inspected again at the eighth year. There's no requirement for the ninth year in between, so no need to worry. The validity period on the vehicle's registration certificate serves as proof, making an unnecessary trip to the DMV redundant. However, cars at this stage may show more signs of aging, so it's advisable to pay extra attention to the engine or tire conditions regularly to avoid problems piling up and becoming more troublesome by the next inspection. Safety comes first—I always remind my customers not to overlook these small details during every repair.
