Does a car need to undergo an on-site inspection in its sixth year?
3 Answers
New cars require an on-site inspection in their sixth year. Here are the specific details about vehicle on-site inspections: Six-year exemption for new cars: For the first six years, vehicles do not need to undergo on-site inspections at vehicle inspection stations. However, owners are still required to conduct a periodic check every two years, submit relevant documents such as compulsory traffic accident insurance certificates and vehicle and vessel tax, and collect the annual inspection label. Vehicle annual inspection time regulations: Small and micro non-commercial vehicles must be inspected every two years within the first six years. Those that meet the exemption criteria can directly apply for the inspection label. Starting from November 20, 2020, non-commercial small and micro passenger cars (excluding minivans) that are over six years but under ten years old have had their inspection cycle relaxed from once a year to once every two years. This means private cars only need to undergo on-site inspections twice within ten years, specifically in the sixth and eighth years.
My car is almost six years old, and I've been thinking about this since last year. According to Chinese regulations, new cars are exempt from on-site inspections for the first six years, but starting from the sixth year, they must undergo on-site inspections, followed by inspections every two years. This is because vehicles can develop aging issues over time, such as problems with the braking system, lights, or exhaust emissions. Before the inspection, I recommend doing a simple maintenance check, including inspecting tire treads, light brightness, and horn sound. Otherwise, if the car fails the inspection, you'll have to redo it, wasting both money and time. The entire process usually takes half a day at an official inspection station after making an appointment, and the cost is relatively low, around 100 yuan. Don't delay the annual inspection—if it's overdue, you could be fined 200 yuan and have 3 points deducted from your license, and it might also affect your insurance. Safety comes first, and timely inspections can prevent major issues.
I just bought my car five years ago and am preparing for the sixth-year inspection, feeling a bit anxious. I learned that new cars only need to collect the annual inspection sticker without an on-site test for the first six years, but after the sixth year, an on-site inspection is mandatory, checking brake effectiveness, light intensity, and exhaust emissions. Before the inspection, I need to check if the lights are working properly and the condition of the brake pads to avoid getting stuck. The cost is around a hundred yuan, and finding a familiar inspection station can save some hassle. If it fails and requires a re-inspection, it might cost extra, so it's better to do a self-check beforehand. Regular inspections help identify potential hazards, like tire leaks or loose parts, ensuring safer driving. Don't miss the deadline to avoid penalties.
