Does a private car need an annual inspection in its seventh year?
3 Answers
Private cars do require an annual inspection in their seventh year. Below are relevant details about the inspection: The inspection, conducted on vehicles that have already obtained official license plates and registration certificates, is based on the technical conditions for safe operation of motor vehicles. Its purposes are: to examine key technical conditions, encourage enhanced maintenance, ensure the car remains in good condition, and guarantee driving safety. Items inspected during the annual car inspection include: (1) Checking whether the engine, chassis, body, and their attached equipment are clean, complete, and effective; whether the paint surface is uniform and aesthetically pleasing; whether major assemblies have been replaced; and whether they match the initial inspection records. (2) Testing whether braking performance, steering control, lighting, exhaust emissions, and other safety features meet the required standards.
There have been quite a few changes in vehicle annual inspection policies recently. I did some thorough research last year. Indeed, private passenger vehicles don't require inspection in their seventh year. According to the new regulations implemented after October 2022, non-commercial passenger vehicles need on-site inspections in their sixth and tenth years, while only an exemption application through the 12123 traffic management app is required in the eighth year. The seventh year requires absolutely no action. However, it's important to note that the vehicle must have no outstanding traffic violations and the compulsory traffic insurance must be valid. Just the other day, my neighbor Old Zhang asked me about this - he made an unnecessary trip to the inspection station during his seventh year and kept complaining about the wasted effort when he returned. I'd suggest car owners put a small reminder note on their windshield about inspection dates, especially making sure not to miss the sixth-year inspection.
I just went through the vehicle annual inspection and checked the latest regulations. The seventh year indeed doesn't require an inspection, just need to focus on the sixth and tenth years for on-site testing. For office workers like us, taking leave to handle procedures is the worst, and now the policy is indeed more user-friendly. However, it's important to note that the inspection sticker on the windshield still needs to be replaced every two years. Although you don't need to visit the inspection station, you can apply for it via mobile phone. When I helped my mom with her vehicle matters last time, I found out that even in exemption years, you must ensure the vehicle hasn't been modified and there are no unpaid fines, otherwise it might affect future inspections.
