Does a newly transferred vehicle still need an annual inspection?
2 Answers
Whether an annual inspection is required has nothing to do with the transfer of ownership. The annual inspection is based on the original vehicle registration date. For vehicles that have exceeded their inspection validity period, an inspection and obtaining a motor vehicle safety technical inspection certificate are required when processing the transfer registration. For vehicles that have not exceeded their inspection validity period, no inspection is needed during the transfer registration. Vehicle annual inspection is a mandatory test for every vehicle, equivalent to a physical examination for the vehicle, aimed at promptly eliminating potential safety hazards and reducing the occurrence of traffic accidents, commonly referred to as a vehicle inspection. According to the "Opinions on Strengthening and Improving Motor Vehicle Inspection Work" jointly issued by the Ministry of Public Security and the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine, a series of new measures have been introduced, including a trial exemption from on-site inspections for non-operational passenger cars within 6 years, implementing cross-regional vehicle inspections, and fully promoting the socialization of inspection institutions, to make motor vehicle inspections more stringent and standardized, and to enhance public satisfaction. Operational passenger vehicles must be inspected once a year within 5 years; those exceeding 5 years must be inspected every 6 months. Starting from September 1, 2014, a trial exemption from inspections for non-operational passenger cars and other small and micro passenger vehicles (excluding minivans and vehicles with 7 or more seats) within 6 years was implemented; during this period, owners only need to provide proof of compulsory traffic insurance and vehicle and vessel tax payment or exemption every 2 years to directly apply for an inspection label from the traffic management department. Trucks and large and medium-sized non-operational passenger vehicles must be inspected once a year within 10 years; those exceeding 10 years must be inspected every 6 months.
A newly transferred vehicle still requires an annual inspection, which should be determined based on the vehicle's manufacturing date or the last inspection time. From my years of driving experience, many people mistakenly believe that a transfer necessitates a new inspection. In reality, the inspection cycle does not automatically reset after a vehicle changes hands; the owner must check the inspection validity period on the vehicle registration certificate. For example, after I bought my last used car and completed the transfer, I didn't notice that the inspection was about to expire, resulting in a fine when driving. It is advisable to use mobile apps like Traffic Management 12123 to check the remaining days and promptly schedule an inspection at a testing station. Annual inspections are crucial for safety, as substandard brakes or lights pose significant risks. After a transfer, update the vehicle information and ensure notification channels are clear to avoid oversights. In short, a transfer only changes ownership; the inspection remains unchanged—don't delay it.
