Does a vehicle inspected last year need inspection this year?
3 Answers
Yes, a vehicle inspected last year still requires inspection this year. Below are relevant details about vehicle inspection: 1. Conditions: Vehicles whose condition does not match the records on the driving license or registration file, vehicles with damaged, incomplete, or illegible license plates or driving licenses, or vehicles with self-made license plates. 2. Precautions: The vehicle's exterior must not be modified. The tint of sunshade or anti-explosion film on windows must not be too dark (items inside the vehicle should be visible from one meter away; mainly applies to vans and trucks, but not to passenger cars with 5 seats or fewer). Vans and trucks must have enlarged rear license plate numbers. The number of leaf springs must not be increased or decreased. The number of seats in a van must not be altered, and a fire extinguisher is required. The cargo compartment of a box truck must not be modified (no side doors, no roof openings, no tailgate additions). Tire size must not be altered, and tires on the same axle must have identical tread patterns. Vehicles with unresolved traffic violations or those impounded by the court cannot undergo inspection.
I've been driving for almost 20 years, and the annual vehicle inspection is something I can never skip. Even if I passed last year, I still have to go again this year. The reason is simple: vehicle inspection is a mandatory annual procedure with a validity period of exactly one year, after which you must re-inspect. My old Jeep passed without issues last year, but this year, the brake pads showed some wear—something I wouldn’t have known without the inspection, and it could have been dangerous on the highway. New cars might have it easier for the first few years, with some requiring inspections only every two years, but for most private vehicles, the rule is an annual inspection. Don’t forget to check the exact due date on the Traffic Management 12123 app and book an appointment at a testing station in advance to avoid last-minute panic. If you delay, getting caught by cameras and fined 200 yuan is the least of your worries—if an accident happens, the insurance company might deny full coverage. My advice? Don’t gamble with luck. Make it a habit to inspect your car every year—it’s safer and hassle-free. Think of it like an annual health check-up for your car; a lot can change in a year, and regular inspections ensure you drive with peace of mind.
I only figured out the annual inspection rules right after buying my car. After the first inspection last year, I thought I could take a break for a year, but then a friend at the DMV told me that the validity period is usually just 365 days—once it expires, you have to do it all over again. For new cars, the first six years might have longer intervals between checks, but most models require an annual visit. After last year's inspection, I made sure to set a calendar reminder. No matter how busy I am this year, I’ll have to make time for it—skipping it not only risks fines and points but also affects next year’s car insurance. A buddy of mine once forgot his inspection, and his insurance lapsed, costing him big time. I recommend new drivers download a WeChat mini-program like 'Vehicle Service Hub'—just enter your license plate to check the due date, super convenient. As cars age, minor issues pile up, and annual inspections can catch hidden dangers. It’s a lifesaver—not something to slack on. Don’t skip the hassle of booking an inspection station—it takes just half an hour and saves way more money than dealing with an unexpected disaster.
