Does a new car need an annual inspection after one year?
2 Answers
A new car does not require an annual inspection after one year. The law clearly stipulates that 5-seater vehicles enjoy a 6-year exemption policy for the first inspection. Although exempt from inspection for 6 years, it is necessary to apply for an annual inspection sticker every two years. The prerequisite for exemption is that no major traffic accidents occur during this period. If an accident occurs, an online annual inspection must be conducted. Below are the regulations for the frequency of annual inspections for various vehicle types: Non-operational small passenger vehicles: For the first 6 years, an inspection is required every 2 years; from the 7th year to the 15th year, an inspection is required every year; after 15 years, an inspection is required every 6 months. Non-operational medium and large passenger vehicles and trucks: For the first 10 years, an annual inspection is required every year; from the 11th year onwards, an inspection is required every 6 months. Operational passenger vehicles: For the first 5 years, an annual inspection is required every year; from the 6th year onwards, an inspection is required every 6 months.
Having driven for so many years, I have quite a say about new car annual inspections. According to current policies, new cars indeed enjoy many benefits in the first six years. In the first year, you don't need to worry about the annual inspection at all—you don't even have to visit the inspection station. It's only in the second year that you need to handle the exemption procedure, which can be done with just a few clicks on the Traffic Management 12123 app. So, if your car has just turned one year old, there's no need to worry about the annual inspection. However, do remember that by the sixth year, an on-site inspection is mandatory, and you'll need to book the inspection station in advance. I usually note the expiry date on the vehicle registration certificate in my phone calendar, setting a reminder two months before it's due. Also, daily checks on tires and brakes are more important—safety always comes first.
