Does a new car need an annual inspection in its fourth year?

[OElias]

According to relevant vehicle management regulations, new cars are required to undergo annual inspections, with different inspection methods applicable to different vehicle types. If a new car falls within the 6-year exemption range, it does not need an annual inspection. Instead, starting from the date of license plate registration, the owner must visit the vehicle management office every two years to obtain the inspection exemption sticker. Vehicles that do not meet the exemption criteria must undergo the standard annual inspection process as required. Vehicles eligible for the 6-year exemption include small and mini non-commercial passenger cars, which can apply for exemption as required. The time requirement is to apply for the exemption sticker every two years. When the vehicle reaches 6 years of use, it must undergo an annual inspection once a year. For medium and large non-commercial passenger cars, which are not within the exemption range, an annual inspection must be conducted as required. If the vehicle has been in use for more than 10 years, it must undergo two inspections per year, meaning an inspection every six months. Annual inspections are designed to enhance travel safety, so even new cars must comply with the requirements for annual inspections or apply for exemption stickers.

[DeJace]

I just dealt with this issue recently. For a new car in its fourth year, there's actually no need for an on-site inspection. The current new regulations state that vehicles are exempt from on-site inspections for the first six years, but you must apply for an inspection sticker every two years. The fourth year is one of those times when you need to apply for the sticker. The process is quite simple: first, handle all traffic violations through the Traffic Management 12123 app, prepare an electronic copy of your valid compulsory traffic insurance policy, then use the 'Exempt Vehicle Sticker Application' feature in the app to apply. If you choose mail delivery, you'll receive the new sticker within three days. However, if your vehicle has been involved in a personal injury accident or has undergone illegal modifications to key parts like the lights or exhaust pipe, you'll need to go to an inspection station for a proper check.

[LeAlyssa]

I remember my second car only took ten minutes to complete the process via mobile operation in its fourth year. According to current policies, vehicles in their fourth year don't need to be driven to the inspection station, but you must apply for the new inspection sticker before the inspection cycle ends. Three key points to note: First, the compulsory traffic insurance must be valid; second, all traffic violations must be cleared; third, this only applies to non-commercial passenger vehicles with seven seats or fewer. Now, you can simply upload photos of your ID card, vehicle license, and compulsory traffic insurance on the Traffic Management 12123 app, select a mailing address, and make the payment. If you're caught with an expired sticker, the penalty is a 200-yuan fine and 3 demerit points—worse than going to the inspection station.

[Clarence]

We just discussed this in our car owners' group. For family vehicles with fewer than six seats, they are exempt from on-site inspections for the first six years, but new inspection stickers must be obtained in the second and fourth years. Key points to note when handling this: 1. The process can be completed up to three months before the expiration date; 2. All traffic violations must be cleared; 3. The compulsory traffic insurance must cover the new inspection period; 4. The entire process can be completed via the Traffic Management 12123 App; 5. This policy does not apply to minivans or commercial vehicles. It's recommended to set a phone reminder—driving without the updated sticker after expiration is considered an inspection lapse if caught.