Does a new motorcycle need an annual inspection in the first year?
2 Answers
New motorcycles do not require an annual inspection in the first year. The safety technical inspection requirements for motor vehicles are as follows: Passenger vehicles for commercial use: inspected once a year within 5 years; inspected every 6 months if over 5 years. Trucks and large or medium-sized non-commercial passenger vehicles: inspected once a year within 10 years; inspected every 6 months if over 10 years. Small and mini non-commercial passenger vehicles: inspected once every 2 years within 6 years; inspected once a year if over 6 years; inspected every 6 months if over 15 years. Motorcycles: inspected once every 2 years within 4 years; inspected once a year if over 4 years.
I also pondered this when I first bought my car. For our new motorcycles, the first year usually doesn't require an annual inspection because, in most places, there's an exemption policy for the first few years of a new vehicle. My small-displacement motorcycle was registered and used directly after purchase without being required to go to an inspection station. What you need to remember is that when buying a vehicle, you must go to the DMV to complete registration and inspection—this counts as the initial check, not the annual inspection. The real annual inspections start in the second or third year; for example, my own vehicle began biennial inspections starting from the second year. Don't worry too much about not having an inspection in the first year causing issues, but don't be complacent either—regularly check your brakes and lights yourself to avoid trouble on the road. After all, motorcycles come with higher risks. Even though a new bike is in good condition, developing good habits is always better than being caught off guard in an emergency. Safe riding is what truly matters.
