Does a car in its tenth year require an annual inspection?
2 Answers
An annual inspection is required. According to legal regulations, non-commercial vehicles with seven seats or fewer are exempt from on-site annual inspections for the first six years after purchase, but must renew their annual inspection decals every two years by presenting copies of the compulsory traffic insurance policy, ID card, and vehicle registration certificate. From the sixth to the tenth year, these vehicles must undergo on-site inspections every two years. Below is relevant information: Definition of Annual Inspection: Annual inspection, colloquially referred to as 'annual review,' involves a safety check of the vehicle conducted annually or biennially. This comprehensive inspection covers components such as the horn, brakes, axle weight, chassis, ignition system, lighting system, exhaust system, and license plate installation. Preparation: Verify the accuracy of the insurance policy, especially for the first annual inspection of a new car. If the information on the insurance policy does not match the actual situation, corrections must be made with the insurance company.
My decade-old car just went through its annual inspection last year, and it did require a full inspection line check. The policy mandates that vehicles in their tenth year must undergo a comprehensive inspection, covering the braking system, light brightness, exhaust emissions, and chassis condition, as older cars are prone to part wear, like thinning brake pads or aging wiring. Skipping the inspection could lead to a fine of 200-300 RMB and potential points deduction if caught by traffic police; worse yet, the car insurance would become void, leaving you uncovered in case of an accident. I recommend booking an appointment in advance via mobile apps like ‘Traffic Police 12123’ and bringing your vehicle license and valid insurance policy to avoid long queues. The inspection usually takes the better part of a day, and the resulting sticker is valid for a year. After that, it’s an annual requirement—don’t delay, as safety is no small matter.
