Does a three-year-old car need an inspection?
2 Answers
A three-year-old car does not require an annual inspection. Regulation Introduction: In September 2014, a new car inspection exemption policy was introduced. According to the regulations, non-operational vehicles (including non-commercial cars, non-commercial small and mini passenger vehicles) are exempt from inspection for 6 years, meaning new cars within 6 years are exempt from on-site inspection. Important Notes: It is important to note that although the car does not require an annual inspection, the car owner must still go to the vehicle management office on time to collect the inspection exemption sticker. To obtain the exemption sticker, all traffic violations must be cleared, and proof of compulsory traffic insurance purchase as well as the driving license must be provided.
As an ordinary car owner who has been driving for several years, I remember worrying about vehicle inspections when I first bought my car. The current policy is that new vehicles enjoy a 6-year exemption period after registration, so a 3-year-old car definitely doesn’t need to undergo an on-site inspection at the testing station—you can rest assured about that. What we need to pay attention to is applying for the inspection exemption decal every 2 years via the Traffic Management 12123 app or at the vehicle management office, which is simple and free. However, I should remind you that even though on-site inspections aren’t required, vehicle safety shouldn’t be overlooked. A 3-year-old car might show some early signs of aging, like tire wear or brake pad deterioration, so it’s best to inspect these regularly yourself. If the car has been driven a lot or involved in accidents, pay extra attention to the lighting and braking systems. Understanding these inspection exemption rules is great—it saves time and money while ensuring peace of mind on the road. That’s how I’ve been handling it, and it feels pretty hassle-free.
