Does a motor vehicle need to undergo an on-site inspection in its sixth year?
4 Answers
Motor vehicles are required to undergo an annual on-site inspection in their sixth year. Below are the specific regulations for vehicle annual inspections: 1. Passenger transport vehicles: Must be inspected once a year within the first 5 years; after 5 years, inspections are required every 6 months. 2. Trucks and large or medium-sized non-passenger transport vehicles: Must be inspected once a year within the first 10 years; after 10 years, inspections are required every 6 months. 3. Small and mini non-passenger transport vehicles: Must be inspected once every 2 years within the first 6 years; after 6 years, inspections are required once a year; after 15 years, inspections are required every 6 months. 4. Exemption policy: Family cars with 6 seats or fewer enjoy a 6-year exemption from on-site inspections. The prerequisite for this exemption is that no major traffic accidents occur during this period. If an accident occurs, an on-site inspection is mandatory. Vehicles with 7 seats or more do not qualify for the 6-year exemption and must still undergo inspections every 2 years during the first 6 years.
Indeed, vehicles need to undergo an on-site inspection in their sixth year. I just had my car inspected after its sixth year and rushed to the inspection station. Prepare your vehicle license and ID card in advance—the process is quite simple. They check the lights, brake performance, emissions, and so on. The inspector mentioned that for new cars, you only need to apply for the inspection label online every two years in the first six years, but starting from the sixth year, an annual on-site inspection is required to prevent potential safety hazards. I remember that inspection revealed my brake fluid was running low, and I replaced it in time to avoid risks. I sincerely advise everyone not to skip this step—safety comes first. The cost is just a few dozen yuan, and finding a reliable inspection station is easy. Completing it not only extends your vehicle’s lifespan but also gives you peace of mind while driving. Developing a habit of regular inspections benefits everyone.
From a technical perspective, the sixth year mandates an on-site inspection, with significant changes introduced by the new regulations. Previously, new vehicles might only receive their inspection stickers online without physical checks for the first six years. However, post the 2020 policy adjustment, the sixth year became a turning point, requiring actual on-site testing of various safety performances, including headlight brightness, braking systems, and environmental emission standards. The rationale is straightforward: after five or six years of use, vehicle components begin to wear out, such as bulbs or brake discs becoming prone to issues. Regular inspections help identify potential risks. I recommend familiarizing yourself with local DMV requirements in advance and ensuring all necessary documents are brought for the inspection, which typically concludes within half an hour. Maintaining good vehicle condition is crucial for driving safety.
Safety should never be taken lightly, and the sixth-year inspection is a critical checkpoint. After years of use, issues like aging lights or brake failure can become major hazards, and the inspection is designed to prevent these risks. I once had a minor issue detected during an inspection, and fixing it in time helped avoid a potential accident. I truly believe this policy is practical. Road safety depends on everyone, so never skip the inspection out of laziness. I recommend all car owners mark their calendars and prepare in advance. It’s a simple and efficient process, worth doing for every vehicle.