Does a new car need an annual inspection after one year?
3 Answers
Whether a new car that has just reached one year needs an annual inspection depends on the vehicle model and its specific nature. Below is relevant information about the annual inspection: 1. Conditions: Vehicles whose condition does not match the records on the driving license or registration file, or whose license plates or driving licenses are damaged, incomplete, illegible, or self-made. 2. Notes: The exterior of the vehicle cannot be modified. The color of window sunshade or anti-explosion film cannot be too dark (items inside the vehicle should be clearly visible from one meter away; mainly applies to vans and trucks, but not to small cars with fewer than 5 seats). Vans and trucks must have enlarged rear license plates, and the number of spring leaf plates cannot be increased or decreased. The number of seats in a van cannot be altered, and a fire extinguisher must be present. The cargo compartment of a box truck cannot be modified (no side doors, no roof openings, and no tailgates can be added). The size of the tires cannot be altered, and the tread patterns on tires of the same axle must be consistent. Vehicles with unresolved traffic violations or those impounded by the court cannot undergo an annual inspection.
As a car owner with several years of driving experience, I was also concerned about annual inspections when I first bought a new car. Now, the policy has changed. New cars (small non-commercial vehicles) don’t need to undergo an annual inspection for the first 6 years—they only require an inspection every two years. So, when the first year is up, there’s no need to get an annual inspection, but you can apply for an exemption sticker through the Traffic Management 12123 App, which is both convenient and cost-effective. I remember it’s best to check the brakes and lights yourself in the first year to ensure the car is running properly—after all, safety comes first, and exemption doesn’t mean complete neglect. Some people worry about environmental issues, but new cars meet high emission standards, and their certificates are still valid. Developing a habit of regular self-checks can help avoid trouble. In short, don’t panic when the first year is up—just wait until the two-year mark to handle it.
Just after my car turned one year old, I looked up online and learned about the new vehicle inspection rules: small family cars are exempt from on-site inspections for the first 6 years, with inspections required every two years. So at the one-year mark, there's nothing you need to do unless you want to change to a personalized emblem for fun. The policy is designed this way to save time and resources. Like my experience, just keep an eye on app notifications for peace of mind. During this first year with the new car, I occasionally checked the tire pressure and engine oil—simple and cost-effective. If something like a light failure occurs, you can either fix it yourself or take it to a small shop; no need to make a big deal out of it. Remember, when the two-year mark comes, apply for the exemption on time to avoid penalties for missing the deadline.
