
6-year exemption from inspection includes the sixth year. The 6-year exemption does not mean no inspection is required for 6 years, but rather that the vehicle does not need to go through the inspection line. For new vehicles, the inspection decal is replaced every two years during the first 6 years. The sixth year is part of this period, requiring a decal replacement but no inspection line process. Vehicles eligible for the 6-year exemption policy include: 1. Vehicle types: Non-commercial large, compact, and mini cars; non-commercial compact and mini passenger vehicles, excluding police, fire, ambulance, engineering rescue, converted from commercial to non-commercial, converted from taxi to non-commercial, two-wheeled and three-wheeled motorcycles. Vehicles with 7 seats or more are also ineligible for the exemption policy; 2. Any vehicle that has been involved in a traffic accident resulting in casualties cannot enjoy the exemption policy.

I've just researched the vehicle inspection exemption policy, and the '6-year exemption' actually doesn't include the sixth year. Here's the key point: The policy states that non-operational small and mini passenger vehicles are exempt from on-site inspections in the 2nd and 4th years after registration, only requiring the application for an inspection exemption sticker. However, in the sixth year, you must take your car to the inspection station for an on-site check. Many people mistakenly believe that the '6-year exemption' covers the entire first six years, but skipping the sixth-year inspection can cause serious trouble. I recommend using the Traffic Management 12123 app to check your vehicle's status—it will remind you three months in advance. For example, if your car was registered in May 2018, May 2024 is the inspection deadline. Missing it will result in a 200-yuan fine and 1 penalty point. By the way, the sixth-year inspection costs about 300 yuan, so remember to bring your compulsory traffic insurance policy and vehicle license.

As an owner who has experienced the six-year exemption from inspection, I can responsibly tell you that the sixth year requires an on-site inspection. In the fourth year, my car only needed a few clicks on the phone to receive an electronic inspection label, but in the sixth year, I directly received a reminder to schedule an inspection at the testing station. That inspection took a whole morning, checking exhaust emissions, brake pad thickness, chassis suspension, and headlight brightness. The inspector mentioned that most people overlook one detail: if the wheel size or headlight color has been modified, such unauthorized modifications will cause the inspection to fail. I recommend handling any traffic violation records one month in advance and checking brake pad wear and tire pressure to avoid the hassle of re-inspection.

The sixth year definitely does not qualify for exemption from inspection. I confirmed this on the official website of the traffic management bureau: the vehicle inspection cycle is divided into three stages. Within the first six years, only the second and fourth years are exempt from on-site inspection. In the sixth year, you must drive to the inspection station for a comprehensive check, which includes dozens of items. In fact, the seventh and eighth years still require on-site inspections, and it’s only after ten years that the frequency changes to an annual inspection. Before the inspection, it’s best to check whether the lights are working properly, the seat belts are not stuck, and the windows roll up and down smoothly. Don’t forget to bring the original ID card and the compulsory traffic insurance certificate, as copies can easily cause issues. Schedule an appointment at the inspection station at 9 a.m. on a weekday, and it should basically be done within half an hour.

Reminder to all car owners: The sixth-year exemption from inspection is a misconception. New vehicles must undergo on-site testing in the sixth year, and the process is stricter than imagined. I've helped a friend with this and found that the focus is on checking the working condition of the catalytic converter and the moisture content of the brake fluid. For cars that are frequently driven with aggressive acceleration, it's advisable to perform a minor maintenance before the inspection. Inspection fees vary by region; in our province, it costs 280 yuan, and some cities allow mobile payment. Here's a lesser-known fact: If the vehicle comes with an OBD port, the inspection station will directly read the vehicle's fault codes, and any illuminated warning lights will result in immediate failure. So, remember to start the car and check the dashboard before heading out.


