Does a car need to undergo an on-site inspection in its sixth year?
3 Answers
Yes, a car needs to undergo an on-site inspection in its sixth year. The six-year exemption from inspection refers to non-operational passenger cars and other small and mini passenger vehicles (excluding vans and vehicles with 7 or more seats), which are exempt from on-site inspection within six years, but the owner still needs to regularly apply for the annual inspection sticker. Below is more information about vehicle annual inspections: 1. Vehicle annual inspection (or motor vehicle inspection) refers to the annual examination of vehicles that have obtained official license plates and registration certificates, conducted in accordance with the "Safety Technical Conditions for Motor Vehicle Operation". 2. The main purpose of the annual inspection is to check the vehicle's key technical conditions, encourage enhanced maintenance, ensure the vehicle remains in good condition, and guarantee driving safety.
I just went through this last year. My car definitely needed an on-site inspection in its sixth year. The current policy is that new cars get a biennial exemption sticker for the first six years after registration, but the sixth year requires an on-site inspection—things like brakes, lights, and emissions all have to pass. I went to the inspection station ahead of time with my vehicle license and compulsory insurance documents, and it took less than an hour in line. Why the inspection? Mainly for road safety—older cars may have worn parts, and the inspection catches issues early for repairs. I’d recommend checking the local traffic website to book an appointment and save time. Otherwise, missing the deadline could mean points deducted and fines, and skipping inspection altogether is even messier. Bottom line: the sixth-year inspection is mandatory, so plan ahead to avoid last-minute stress.
As a car enthusiast, I obediently sent my car for its annual inspection in the sixth year. New cars are exempt from inspection for the first six years, but the sixth year requires on-site testing of brakes, lights, and other critical components to maintain vehicle performance. During my inspection, emissions were also checked—exceeding limits means repairs are necessary to avoid polluting the environment. Inspection stations usually provide decent service, and I recommend calling a day ahead to confirm required documents to avoid wasted trips. Skipping inspections leads to expired vehicle licenses, and insurance may deny claims in case of accidents. In short, this is a safety baseline—don’t wait until the last minute.
