Does the 6th year of vehicle inspection require an on-site test?
3 Answers
Exempted vehicles require an on-site test in the 6th year, and the inspection must strictly follow the annual inspection process. The annual inspection compliance label will only be issued after passing the test. Below is relevant information about the on-site test: 1. Materials required for the on-site test: The original vehicle license (including both the main and supplementary copies) and a valid compulsory traffic insurance policy (copy) must be carried. If the compulsory traffic insurance policy does not include the vehicle and vessel tax, the original invoice for the vehicle and vessel tax is required. The original ID card of the vehicle owner is needed to process the annual vehicle inspection. Before the annual vehicle inspection, all previous traffic violation records must be settled; otherwise, the inspection cannot be conducted. It is advisable to settle any violation records at least 2 days in advance. 2. Motor vehicles that meet the 6-year exemption conditions will be exempted from the on-site test (i.e., vehicle inspection) within the 6-year period, but they still need to apply for the annual inspection compliance label (i.e., the label affixed to the windshield) every two years.
A few days ago, I just completed the sixth-year vehicle inspection, which required an on-site test. The process went smoothly. I went to the inspection station, where the staff checked the brakes, lights, and emission system, and it took about half an hour to finish. Starting from the sixth year, the legal exemption from on-site testing for the first six years ends, so it's mandatory to go. It's advisable to book an appointment in advance at an official inspection station to avoid long queues. As cars age, minor issues can accumulate and pose safety hazards—for example, delayed braking can be very dangerous. Nowadays, many cities also have mobile apps to check inspection progress, saving a lot of time. In short, don’t delay the sixth-year on-site inspection—getting it done early brings peace of mind.
I'm an experienced driver with decades of driving experience. In the past, vehicles had to undergo annual inspections. Now, the policy has been relaxed: new cars are exempt from inspections for the first six years, but the sixth year requires a mandatory inspection that cannot be skipped. The inspection includes brake performance, lighting systems, and emission standards to ensure the vehicle remains safe to drive as it ages. This is mandated by national traffic regulations to prevent accidents, such as brake failures. The sixth-year inspection is crucial since the vehicle has been running for many years, and parts may have worn out. I recommend not forgetting this and finding a reliable inspection station to get it done—safety first. Compared to the old policy, the new one is more reasonable as it reduces the burden on new car owners, but older vehicles must still be checked.
