Does an 8-year-old car require annual inspection?
3 Answers
An 8-year-old car requires biennial inspection. According to the new 2021 vehicle inspection regulations issued by the Ministry of Public Security, vehicles older than 6 years but less than 10 years have their inspection cycle relaxed from annual to biennial checks. This means private cars only need two on-site inspections within 10 years - specifically in the 6th and 8th years. Below are relevant details: Introduction: Vehicle annual inspection refers to mandatory testing for all vehicles that have obtained official license plates and registration certificates. It's essentially an annual physical examination for vehicles based on motor vehicle operational safety technical requirements. Purpose: Vehicle inspections can promptly eliminate potential safety hazards, encourage better vehicle maintenance, and reduce traffic accidents.
I've been running an auto repair shop for nearly twenty years and often assist car owners with their annual inspections. In China, vehicles over eight years old indeed require an annual on-site inspection. Once a car exceeds six years, it must be checked every year to identify aging issues with the brakes, tires, lights, and emission systems. Last week, a regular customer brought in his eight-year-old car, and during the inspection, we found a severe oil leak in the brake pump. Fortunately, it was caught in time to prevent a potential brake failure on the highway. If caught driving without an inspection, you could face a 200-yuan fine and penalty points, which is even more costly, not to mention the safety risks. I recommend booking an inspection station in advance via the 'Traffic Management 12123' app and bringing your vehicle license and insurance documents to save time. For older vehicles, regular inspections and maintenance are essential—don't overlook them to avoid higher repair costs later.
As an ordinary office worker, I've been driving my car for over eight years and always get the annual inspection done on time. After the six-year exemption period, you have to visit the inspection station every year to check the car's condition. From my experience, brake discs and tires tend to wear out over time, and the annual inspection helps identify issues and prevent risks. Last time, the technician pointed out my headlights weren't bright enough—after adjustment, nighttime driving became much safer. Skipping the inspection not only leads to fines but also risks breakdowns, which is worse. That's why I set a phone reminder to never miss the deadline. Booking the inspection via an app takes just an hour, making it very convenient. Combining daily maintenance with annual inspections keeps efficiency high. Keeping your car in good condition ensures peace of mind and safety on the road.
