Does a New Car Purchased Last Year Need an Annual Inspection This Year?
3 Answers
New cars purchased last year do not require an annual inspection this year. New vehicles are exempt from inspection for the first six years, eliminating the need for an annual vehicle inspection. Vehicle inspection is an important aspect of automobile maintenance. Below is a detailed introduction about vehicle annual inspections: Overview: Vehicle annual inspection refers to the annual examination of vehicles that have already obtained official license plates and registration certificates, conducted in accordance with the "Technical Conditions for Motor Vehicle Operation Safety." The purpose is to check the main technical conditions of the vehicle, encourage enhanced vehicle maintenance, ensure the vehicle is always in good condition, and guarantee driving safety. Others: For passenger transport vehicles, inspections are required once a year within the first five years. After five years, inspections are required every six months. For cargo vehicles and large or medium-sized non-passenger transport vehicles, inspections are required once a year within the first ten years. After ten years, inspections are required every six months. Annual vehicle inspections are categorized into initial annual inspections and regular annual inspections.
As a veteran driver with over a decade of experience, I also bought a new car last year, and this is the second year. According to the latest vehicle annual inspection regulations, small private cars are exempt from on-site inspections for the first six years, meaning you don't need to take your car to the inspection station to queue for checks on emissions, brakes, and other items. However, it's important to note that every two years, you still need to apply for the inspection exemption label through the Traffic Management 12123 app or the vehicle management office website to confirm that your vehicle is roadworthy and legally compliant. This is mainly to simplify the process and avoid unnecessary wear and tear on new cars. I recommend taking some time to complete this procedure—it's very convenient to do online now and usually takes just a few minutes. If you neglect it entirely, you could face fines if stopped by traffic police, and there might also be issues when renewing your vehicle insurance. While new cars are stable in their early years, developing a habit of regular self-checks can help prevent problems before they arise.
I just got a new car last year and am still figuring out the rules, so I've done quite a bit of research. The first few years with a new car are indeed easier. According to Chinese regulations, passenger vehicles are exempt from on-site annual inspections for the first six years, but you need to apply for an inspection exemption sticker every two years. This year happens to be the second year, so you don't need to go to an inspection station. You can handle it through mobile apps like Traffic Management 12123 or by filling out a form at the vehicle management office. The whole process is quite simple—I did it last month. Just upload your vehicle license information, and it's done in minutes. Remember, this procedure is necessary. Otherwise, there will be a gap in your vehicle's annual inspection record, which could affect insurance claims in case of an accident. While the car is still in good condition, I also took the opportunity to check the tires and lights to make sure everything was fine. In the long run, this exemption policy saves us money and hassle, but don't overlook the details.
