Does a new car need an on-site inspection in the 6th year?
2 Answers
Exempted vehicles require an on-site inspection in the sixth year. Relevant information about vehicle annual inspections is as follows: Exemption scope: The exemption scope for motor vehicles has been expanded from non-operational small and mini passenger vehicles with 6 seats or fewer within 6 years to those with 7-9 seats. Inspection cycle: Exempted vehicles can avoid on-site inspections for the first 6 years, only requiring procedures every two years, while inspections are required annually from years 6-10. The new policy stipulates that the inspection cycle for private cars remains unchanged for the first 6 years, and vehicles aged 6-10 years will change from annual inspections to biennial inspections. This means exempted vehicles only require biennial inspections within 10 years, but on-site inspections are necessary only in the 6th and 8th years.
When it comes to whether a new car needs to undergo an inspection in its sixth year, I remember my own car that I've driven for five years is about to go through the inspection line soon. In China, once the six-year exemption period for new cars ends, the sixth year requires a mandatory inspection at the testing station—otherwise, it’s considered a violation. This is to check the brakes, lights, and safety performance to prevent accidents due to aging. Last time I went, I had to prepare my vehicle license, compulsory traffic insurance policy, and book an appointment to avoid peak hours—otherwise, the long queues could be frustrating. The cost is around 100 to 200 RMB, depending on the city and inspection items. I’ve gotten used to the convenience of a new car, so suddenly needing an inspection feels a bit unusual, but it’s absolutely worth it for safety. I recommend checking the lights and tires before the sixth-year inspection to avoid issues on-site. After all, as a car ages, parts wear out faster, and the inspection helps identify problems early—saving both lives and money.
