Does the sixth year of the 6-year exemption from vehicle inspection require an on-site inspection?
3 Answers
Vehicles eligible for the 6-year exemption from inspection do require an on-site inspection in the sixth year. Vehicles registered after 2012 can enjoy two exemptions from on-site inspections. Below is relevant information about vehicle annual inspections: Vehicle models eligible for the 6-year exemption policy: Non-commercial large, small, and mini cars, as well as non-commercial small and mini passenger vehicles. The term 'non-commercial' in this policy does not include police vehicles, fire trucks, ambulances, engineering rescue vehicles, commercial-to-non-commercial converted vehicles, taxi-to-non-commercial converted vehicles, two-wheel motorcycles, and three-wheel motorcycles. Inspection methods for vehicle models not eligible for the 6-year exemption: Commercial passenger vehicles must be inspected once a year within 5 years, and every 6 months after 5 years. Trucks and large and medium-sized non-commercial passenger vehicles must be inspected once a year within 10 years, and every 6 months after 10 years.
I just bought a car and when I heard about the six-year exemption policy, I really thought I wouldn't have to worry about anything for the first six years. But as my car is about to reach its sixth year, I started wondering if I still needed to go for an inspection. After asking around at the vehicle management office, I realized I had misunderstood. The six-year exemption means that for the first five years, you only need to collect an exemption sticker every two years without an on-site inspection. However, by the end of the sixth year, an on-site inspection is mandatory. The reason is that after six years of use, car parts wear out more, and issues with brakes, lights, emissions, etc., may arise, affecting safety. My car is due next month, so I quickly booked an appointment at an inspection center, bringing my vehicle license and compulsory insurance policy. I heard that failing to inspect on time could result in point deductions, fines, and even affect insurance claims. The policy started in 2014, targeting private cars, aiming to be convenient while ensuring safety. I recommend new car owners check their vehicle registration dates and plan ahead to avoid delays like mine. The inspection process is simple, costing a couple of hundred yuan, and with regular maintenance, it's easy to pass.
I've been driving for forty years and have experienced the hassle of long queues for annual inspections in the past. The current six-year exemption policy is indeed much more convenient, but exemption doesn't mean completely avoiding inspections. For the first five years, you just need to collect the exemption sticker every two years, which is straightforward. However, the sixth year requires an on-site inspection. My old Toyota reached its sixth year last year, and the inspection took half a day, checking the lights, chassis, and emissions. If it fails, repairs are necessary. I recommend preparing one or two months in advance to avoid penalties for overdue inspections. The policy is designed for convenience, but safety comes first as the car ages, especially with risks like worn brake pads or tires. The sixth year is a turning point—after that, inspections are required annually. Just bring the original vehicle license and insurance policy to a nearby inspection station; it's no big deal. Regularly check tire pressure and engine oil, and the on-site inspection will go smoothly.
