
Whether a new car needs an annual inspection in the fourth year depends on the specific situation. Small and micro non-commercial passenger vehicles are exempt from inspection within 6 years, commercial passenger vehicles must be inspected once a year within 5 years, and trucks and large or medium non-commercial passenger vehicles must be inspected once a year within 10 years. Inspection time requirements: Small and micro non-commercial passenger vehicles are exempt from inspection within 6 years. For those over 6 years but less than 10 years, inspection is required every two years; for those over 10 years but less than 15 years, annual inspection is required; for those over 15 years, inspection is required every 6 months. Commercial passenger vehicles must be inspected once a year within 5 years; for those over 5 years, inspection is required every 6 months. Trucks and large or medium non-commercial passenger vehicles must be inspected once a year within 10 years; for those over 10 years, inspection is required every 6 months. Imported vehicles, like other models, can undergo regular inspection at any testing site. Inspection precautions: For vehicles that fail the inspection, repairs must be completed within a specified time limit. If the vehicle still fails after the deadline, the vehicle management office will confiscate its license plate and prohibit further driving. Vehicles that do not undergo inspection without reason or fail the inspection are not allowed to drive on the road or transfer ownership. Vehicles that meet the scrapping conditions or exceed the prescribed service life will not be inspected, and their license plates will be revoked, their files canceled, and they will be scrapped.

I just checked the latest vehicle inspection regulations. According to Chinese policy, small non-commercial new vehicles are exempt from on-site inspection for the first 6 years, so there's no need to drive to the inspection station and queue up in the fourth year. But remember, you must apply for the inspection decal every two years through the traffic management department or the 12123 app—this step can't be overlooked! I helped my neighbor with this before, and the process is simple: just prepare the vehicle license and ID card photos for upload. While the exemption is designed for owner convenience, you still need to pay attention to your car's condition, such as checking the lights and tire wear. If there's an emergency affecting safety, it could be troublesome. Regular maintenance is advisable to prevent minor issues from turning into major repairs.

When my new car reached its fourth year, I also had doubts about this matter. Later, I learned from a friend at the repair shop that there's no need to queue up for an annual inspection. The policy has been relaxed, exempting new cars from inspection for the first 6 years, only requiring the application for a label every two years. The whole process is super fast, just a few clicks on the app to get it done. I also recommend checking the brake pads and battery status at this time, as these parts are prone to wear after prolonged use. The key is to save both hassle and money, so don't make the same mistake I did by taking unnecessary leave to visit the inspection station.

Simply put, new cars do not require an annual inspection in the fourth year, as the state has a 6-year exemption policy. However, it is essential to obtain the inspection sticker every two years, which can be done at the vehicle management office or via a mobile app. Additionally, I remind myself to check common components, such as the steering system and suspension, to ensure safety and peace of mind.

Skipping the on-site annual inspection in the fourth year of a new car is absolutely reasonable for saving money and time. The exemption period lasts up to 6 years, requiring only a biennial label application. I've applied for it via a mobile app, which took just minutes, saving half a day of queuing. Additional advice: It's worth spending some time to self-check the lights and tire pressure. Good vehicle condition ensures safer driving and extends the car's lifespan.


