Does a car purchased in 2015 need to undergo inspection in 2021?
3 Answers
A car purchased in 2015 needs to undergo inspection in 2021. Inspection of automotive components: Check whether the engine, chassis, body, and auxiliary equipment are clean, complete, and functional; whether the paint surface is uniform and aesthetically pleasing; whether any major assemblies have been replaced; and whether these conditions match the initial inspection records. Inspection of automotive functions: Verify whether the vehicle's braking performance, steering control, lighting, exhaust emissions, and other safety features comply with the requirements of the "Technical Conditions for Safe Operation of Motor Vehicles." Inspection for modifications: Check whether the vehicle has undergone any modifications, alterations, or transformations; whether the driving license, license plate, and all vehicle registration records match the actual condition of the vehicle; and whether any changes have been properly approved and documented with the relevant authorities.
I bought my car in 2015 and just went through this process last year. According to current regulations, non-operational small and mini passenger vehicles require an on-site inspection in their 6th year. For a car purchased in 2015, 2021 would be exactly the 6th year. I timed my visit to the inspection station precisely - they mainly checked the braking system, lights, exhaust emissions and such. It cost me just over 300 yuan and took about two hours in total. However, I should mention that new policies have changed - vehicles purchased after October 2022 won't need their first on-site inspection until the 10th year, but older cars like ours still follow the old rules. Booking an appointment in advance through the 12123 APP can save you a lot of queuing time.
I work at an auto repair shop and have seen many 15-year-old vehicles undergoing annual inspections last year. According to national regulations, these vehicles must undergo mandatory on-site inspections in their sixth year (2021 in this case). Our shop often encounters customers discovering minor issues right before inspections, such as worn brake pads or insufficient tire tread depth. It's best to schedule a pre-inspection check about a week in advance. Nowadays, inspection stations are all connected online, and vehicles with unqualified emissions will be directly rejected. Here's a lesser-known fact: some cities have started implementing the I/M system, meaning vehicles with excessive emissions must first undergo treatment at authorized repair shops like ours before retesting. Remember to bring your vehicle registration certificate and insurance policy, and weekdays tend to be less crowded.
