Does a car in its ninth year need to undergo inspection?
2 Answers
According to the new regulations, vehicles in their ninth year do not need to undergo inspection or visit the traffic management department. You can directly proceed with the inspection in the tenth year. More details are as follows: 1. About the inspection: Before the inspection, staff will conduct a preliminary check, mainly verifying whether the engine number matches the one on the vehicle license, briefly inspecting the appearance and condition of the vehicle, and then filling out the exhaust emission test form. During the inspection, the inspector will drive the vehicle onto the inspection line. Generally, new vehicles pass easily, and once you obtain a qualified exhaust emission test form, you can proceed to the window to pay and receive the exhaust emission compliance label. 2. Relevant regulations: Article 49 of the "Motor Vehicle Registration Regulations" states that the owner of a motor vehicle may apply for an inspection compliance label at the vehicle management office of the registration location within three months before the expiration of the motor vehicle inspection validity period. Before applying, the owner must resolve all traffic safety violations and accidents related to the vehicle. When applying, the owner must fill out an application form and submit the vehicle license, compulsory motor vehicle traffic accident liability insurance certificate, vehicle and vessel tax payment or exemption certificate, and motor vehicle safety technical inspection compliance certificate. The vehicle management office shall, within one day from the date of acceptance, confirm the motor vehicle, review the submitted certificates and documents, and issue the inspection compliance label.
A car in its ninth year indeed does not require an on-site inspection. According to the latest vehicle annual inspection policy in China, the regulations for private cars are clear: non-commercial small vehicles within 10 years only need to undergo an on-site inspection at the testing station in the 6th and 10th years. For other years, such as the 9th year, only applying for an exemption inspection label is required. This new rule has been in effect since 2022, saving a lot of hassle. Although an on-site inspection isn't needed, cars develop more issues over time. I recommend that owners regularly check tire wear, brake responsiveness, and headlight brightness—these small details directly impact safety. Don’t wait until the annual inspection to pay attention; a well-maintained car is safer to drive and avoids costly last-minute repairs.
