Does a new car need an annual inspection in the third year?
3 Answers
A new car does not require an annual inspection in the third year; it only needs an inspection in the sixth year. Although annual inspections are not necessary every year, the vehicle must still receive an inspection compliance label annually. For non-commercial passenger cars, new vehicles are exempt from inspection for the first six years. After six years, an annual inspection is required. The specific timing can be determined by referring to the registration month of the vehicle as indicated on the vehicle registration certificate. Vehicle annual inspection refers to the mandatory testing required for all vehicles that have obtained official license plates and registration certificates. It is equivalent to an annual 'health check' for the vehicle based on the safety technical conditions for motor vehicle operation. Vehicle annual inspections help promptly eliminate potential safety hazards, encourage better vehicle maintenance, and reduce the occurrence of traffic accidents.
When my new car reached its third year, I was initially a bit confused—did I have to queue up at the inspection station? After checking the regulations, I learned that under current rules, new cars are exempt from on-site inspections for the first six years, so there was no need to drive to the inspection station in the third year. All I had to do was use the Traffic Management 12123 app, upload photos of my vehicle registration and ID information, and apply for the inspection exemption label—completely online, saving both time and effort. However, for safety, I still regularly check tire pressure and headlight brightness to avoid any issues. Remember to complete the process on time, as delays might result in a small fine. Overall, the exemption policy makes driving easier, but maintenance shouldn’t be neglected—safe driving is what matters most.
As an experienced driver who has owned several cars, I'm quite familiar with the detailed vehicle inspection policies. Indeed, new vehicles don't require an on-site annual inspection in their third year - there's a national exemption policy where you only need to apply for an exemption decal every two years during the first five years. For the third year, simply apply through the traffic police website or app by submitting a form along with your vehicle license and insurance documents, and approval is usually quick. Don't misunderstand this as meaning your car is in perfect condition though; I recommend monthly checks on brakes and wipers, as faulty lights could make night driving dangerous. Don't delay the application process either, as missing the deadline incurs a fine of around 200 yuan. Overall, this simplified procedure is quite user-friendly, reducing burdens for car owners while still requiring them to conscientiously maintain their vehicles.
