Does a small car need to undergo on-site inspection in its 6th year?
3 Answers
Small cars need to undergo on-site inspection in their 6th year. Vehicle annual inspection is a mandatory process for all cars. For small or mini non-commercial passenger vehicles with seven seats or fewer, they can enjoy the benefit of a six-year exemption from on-site inspection, but they still need to collect the annual inspection compliance sticker from the vehicle management office every two years. The six-year exemption is a favorable policy for new cars, but after exceeding six years, the vehicle must undergo an on-site inspection once every year. For vehicles older than 15 years, the inspection is required every six months. The annual inspection cycle is based on the month of the vehicle's registration date, and the inspection can be conducted up to three months in advance. When driving to the inspection site, ensure all necessary documents are prepared, including the original vehicle license, compulsory traffic insurance policy, vehicle and vessel tax invoice, and the owner's ID card.
According to traffic regulations, passenger vehicles must undergo an on-site inspection in their 6th year, while the first five years only require a biennial exemption from inspection with a label. However, now a comprehensive check at the inspection station is mandatory. I understand this rule is to ensure vehicle safety, as after six years of use, components like brakes, lights, and exhaust pipes may deteriorate, making driving unsafe. The inspection includes tests for brake sensitivity, light brightness, emission measurements, etc. I recommend booking an appointment at a local inspection station in advance, bringing your vehicle license and ID card. The cost is generally between tens to a hundred yuan, and it takes about half a day to complete. Failure to inspect may result in a fine starting from 200 yuan, possible demerit points, and even insurance companies refusing claims in case of accidents. Remember to display the new inspection label on the windshield after passing the inspection.
I recently took my car for its mandatory 6th-year inspection, and the process went smoothly. I chose a quiet morning to visit the inspection station, where they checked the brakes, lights, emissions, etc. They found one dim bulb, which was replaced on the spot, and the car passed. The inspection fee was around 100 yuan and took about an hour, after which I received and affixed the new sticker. A friend of mine forgot to get inspected and was fined 300 yuan, not to mention the hassle of towing. The inspection ensures the car is reliable, and safe driving is what matters most. I recommend doing a self-check before the inspection: make sure all lights work, the brakes are responsive, and the tire wear is normal to avoid multiple trips. Choose a reputable station to save time and effort—treat it as part of routine maintenance.
