Does the 6th year of the 6-year exemption for new vehicles require an on-site inspection?
4 Answers
New vehicles do not require an on-site inspection in the 6th year of the 6-year exemption. For vehicles registered for more than six years, an annual inspection is required as per regulations. Below is an introduction to vehicle annual inspections: Purpose of vehicle annual inspections: They can promptly eliminate potential safety hazards, encourage vehicle owners to enhance maintenance, and reduce the occurrence of traffic accidents. Content of vehicle annual inspections: Inspect whether the engine, chassis, body, and attached equipment are clean, complete, and functional; whether the paint is uniform and aesthetically pleasing; test the vehicle's braking performance, steering control, lights, exhaust, and other safety features; check if the vehicle has undergone modifications, alterations, or transformations; and verify if the driving license, license plate, and all registered vehicle records match the actual condition of the vehicle.
I remember last year when my car underwent its sixth-year inspection, it indeed required an on-site test. Although it had enjoyed exemption for the first five years, the sixth year was a turning point. That morning, I took time off specifically to go to the inspection station, and the process was more troublesome than expected: first, queuing to pay fees and fill out forms, then the inspector carefully verified the VIN and headlights, and finally, the car was driven onto the inspection line to test braking performance. The most time-consuming part was the exhaust emission test, which took over half an hour of queuing. It's advisable to book the inspection station in advance, bring the vehicle license and the valid compulsory traffic insurance policy, and make sure to clear all traffic violation records before the annual inspection. If the car has dark window tints or modified rims, it's best to address these issues beforehand; otherwise, you might be required to make on-the-spot corrections.
My friend just had his six-year-old car inspected last week, which required an on-site test. I specifically went along to experience the process and found there are quite a few things to note: The inspection fee is around 300 yuan, and you need to complete the exterior check first to confirm there are no modifications. The most crucial points are preparing the warning triangle and fire extinguisher – lacking these will result in a failure. The brightness of the lights must meet the standard, and the tire specifications cannot be changed arbitrarily. On-site, I saw several cars held up due to insufficient tire tread depth. Also, it's best to check the brake lights yourself before the inspection. One owner only realized the left brake light wasn't working when reversing and had to find a repair shop on the spot.
The sixth year definitely requires an on-site inspection, which I just went through at the beginning of the year. The process is actually quite fast: 5 minutes for document verification, 10 minutes for light and brake testing, and 15 minutes for emissions testing. The key is to maintain the original factory condition—dark window tints or modified headlights will cause failure. The inspection fee was 300 yuan, and I waited in line for two hours. It's advisable to make an appointment in advance via the Traffic Management 12123 app to avoid peak hours on Mondays. Remember to bring the original vehicle registration certificate and a copy of the compulsory traffic insurance policy that is within the validity period.
