Does a car from July 2016 need to undergo inspection this year?
3 Answers
Inspection is required. Below is the relevant information for annual inspection: 1. Introduction: For vehicles that have already obtained official license plates and registration certificates, the inspection is conducted according to the technical conditions for the safe operation of motor vehicles. The purpose is to check the main technical conditions, encourage enhanced maintenance, ensure the vehicle is in good condition, and guarantee driving safety. 2. Items for vehicle annual inspection: (1) Check whether the engine, chassis, body, and their auxiliary equipment are clean, complete, and effective, whether the paint surface is uniform and aesthetically pleasing, whether the main assemblies have been replaced, and whether they match the initial inspection records. (2) Verify whether the braking performance, steering control, lighting, exhaust, and other safety performance meet the requirements.
I recently took my family's car, purchased in 2016, to the inspection station and specifically checked the policy regulations. The car registered in July 2016 has just reached 8 years, and according to the latest annual inspection rules, vehicles between 6 to 10 years only need to be inspected every two years. However, remember that if you already had the inspection done last year, you actually don’t need to go for an on-site inspection this year—just apply for an exemption mark directly via the 12123 mobile app, which is much more convenient. This policy change is really considerate; in the past, we had to visit the inspection station every year, but now the 8th-year exemption saves us a lot of time. But if you forgot the annual inspection last year, you’ll definitely need to visit the inspection station before July this year, as driving with an overdue inspection will result in a fine.
As someone who frequently helps friends with annual vehicle inspections, I'm very familiar with this situation. A car from 2016 will be in its eighth year by 2024, and according to current regulations, vehicles over six years old only require an on-site inspection every two years. If you already completed the inspection last year, there's no need to visit the inspection station this year—you can simply apply for the electronic inspection label online. However, be aware that if your last inspection was done in 2022, then July this year marks your next inspection cycle. I recommend checking the inspection records in the vehicle management office's official account—they now offer convenient appointment-based agency services.
