Does a four-year-old car require an annual inspection?
3 Answers
A four-year-old car does require an annual inspection, but the method of inspection differs. Generally, vehicles under six years old are exempt from on-site testing, but owners must still apply for an inspection compliance label at designated locations (such as the vehicle management office, motor vehicle registration service stations, or traffic police substations) within the specified period (usually every two years) and affix it to the upper right corner of the car's front windshield. Below is relevant information about vehicle annual inspections: Definition of Annual Inspection: Vehicle annual inspection refers to a mandatory test for all vehicles that have obtained official license plates and registration certificates. It is equivalent to an annual physical examination for the vehicle according to the "Technical Conditions for Motor Vehicle Operation Safety," aimed at promptly eliminating potential safety hazards, encouraging enhanced vehicle maintenance, and reducing the occurrence of traffic accidents—commonly referred to as a vehicle inspection. Required Documents: For personal vehicle annual inspections, the required documents include the original vehicle registration certificate, a copy of the compulsory traffic insurance policy, a copy of the ID card, and the vehicle itself. For corporate vehicle annual inspections, the required documents are the original vehicle registration certificate, a copy of the compulsory traffic insurance policy, a copy of the agent's ID card, and the vehicle itself.
As a car owner, I just completed the relevant procedures for my four-year-old vehicle. According to regulations, small private passenger vehicles are required to apply for an inspection decal every two years within the first six years, without the need for an on-site inspection. Therefore, a four-year-old car does need to go through this process, but it's not the complicated annual inspection procedure. Last year, I applied online through the Traffic Management 12123 APP, and the process was extremely simple: upload vehicle information and ID photos, and it was done in just a few minutes, saving me the hassle of visiting the vehicle management office. The key is to handle it on time to avoid late fees or issues with insurance claims. Maintaining the vehicle in good condition, such as checking lights and tires, can also reduce future hassles during actual inspections. Overall, this system is designed to reduce the burden on car owners while ensuring basic safety standards.
From what I understand, China's national motor vehicle annual inspection policy clearly states that small passenger vehicles are exempt from on-site inspections for the first six years, but inspection labels must be obtained in the 2nd and 4th years. A four-year-old vehicle falls within this scope, so the procedures need to be completed. It is recommended to prepare the vehicle license and ID card in advance, and handle the process either through online platforms or at the DMV window. This system primarily aims to reduce the cost of repeated inspections while reminding vehicle owners to pay attention to their vehicle's condition—if minor issues are neglected for a long time, they may surface during the sixth-year on-site inspection. I believe proper maintenance is crucial, such as regular oil changes and brake checks, which can prevent unexpected failures. In short, fulfilling this obligation is both compliant and safe.
