Does a vehicle in its sixth year need to go through the inspection line for the annual motor vehicle inspection?
3 Answers
Motor vehicles in their sixth year of annual inspection require on-site testing. Vehicle annual inspection is a mandatory process for every car. For small or micro non-commercial passenger vehicles with seven seats or fewer, they can enjoy the benefit of a six-year exemption from inspection, but they still need to collect the annual inspection compliance sticker from the vehicle management office every two years. Annual inspection time regulations: The first annual inspection for small cars is conducted when they reach six years. Non-commercial small and micro passenger vehicles, including family cars over six years but under ten years old, require an annual inspection every two years. For vehicles exactly six years old, the annual inspection requires driving the vehicle to the inspection station with the ID card, vehicle license, vehicle and vessel tax or tax exemption certificate, and compulsory traffic insurance policy. After passing the inspection, you will receive a certification form, which, along with the other documents, must be submitted to the relevant window to collect the annual inspection sticker.
I've been driving for fifteen years and have owned several cars. When a car reaches six years old and undergoes its annual inspection, it indeed requires an on-site inspection. New cars are exempt from on-site inspections for the first six years, only needing to apply for the inspection mark online or at the vehicle management office every two years, which is quite convenient. However, once it reaches the sixth year, you must go to the inspection station and queue up for the check. The inspection items include the braking system, light brightness, emission standards, etc. For example, when my old car reached its sixth-year inspection, it was found that the lights were insufficient, and it was only after repairs that it was safe to drive. The reason is that car parts are prone to wear and tear over time, and inspections can identify issues in time to avoid breakdowns on the road. I've also heard that policies sometimes undergo minor adjustments, especially now with the increase in new energy vehicles, the rules might be different. It's advisable to check the local vehicle management office's official website for confirmation. Overall, prepare one month in advance, bring your vehicle license and insurance policy, and ensure passing the inspection in one go to avoid affecting daily use due to expiration.
As a new car owner for just a few years, I went for my vehicle's first inspection last year when it turned six years old, only to find out that an on-site inspection was mandatory. I had assumed it would be as simple as collecting the inspection sticker like the first five years, but the staff informed me that starting from the sixth year, an annual physical inspection at the testing station is required. The process was quite detailed, including tests like exhaust emission checks, brake performance evaluation, and lighting inspections. I waited in line for an hour, and while the process was a bit tedious, it's a necessary step. The inspection can uncover potential issues—for example, my car's lighting was flagged as problematic, and fixing it promptly prevented future hazards. I recommend booking an appointment early; online booking is very convenient and saves time. The cost is around 200 yuan, which is quite reasonable. Stay updated on policy changes, as inspection standards may vary with the vehicle's age. Safety should always come first—don't take it lightly.
