Does a sedan need an annual inspection in its seventh year?
2 Answers
A sedan does not require an annual inspection in its seventh year. Vehicles exempt from inspection: Non-commercial sedans (including non-commercial sedans, non-commercial small and micro passenger vehicles). Starting from November 20, 2020, non-commercial small and micro passenger vehicles with 7-9 seats (excluding minivans) are included in the exemption scope, exempting them from on-site inspections for the first 6 years, only requiring an application for inspection marks every two years. Starting from November 20, 2020, for vehicles older than 6 years but less than 10 years, the inspection cycle is relaxed from once a year to once every two years. Vehicles over 10 years old: For private vehicles over 10 years old, the original inspection cycle still applies, i.e., once a year for vehicles aged 10-15, and once every six months for vehicles over 15 years old.
Regarding whether a sedan needs an annual inspection in its seventh year, I remember that since 2022, China's policies have become more relaxed. For small sedans, you only need to collect a free inspection sticker every two years for the first six years without an on-site inspection. Starting from the seventh year, the policy requires an on-site inspection every two years, meaning inspections are needed in the sixth, eighth, and tenth years. So, based on my driving experience, the seventh year usually doesn’t require an on-site inspection. However, special circumstances regarding the vehicle’s registration time should be noted. For example, if the car was registered in 2018, this year (2024) is its seventh year, and it won’t need an inspection until the eighth year (2025). Under the current policy, you can drive with peace of mind in the seventh year. But I recommend car owners download the Traffic Management 12123 app to check the validity period and avoid delays, as delays may result in fines and affect insurance. Also, don’t neglect regular maintenance checks on headlights, tires, etc., to ensure driving safety and avoid potential hazards.
