Has the Biannual Inspection for Passenger Cars Been Canceled?
2 Answers
Motor vehicles still require biannual inspections. Below are the relevant details regarding vehicle annual inspections: 1. Timeframe: For passenger cars and blue-license-plate minivans, the first six years after new vehicle registration require biennial inspections; after six years, annual inspections are required; after fifteen years, biannual inspections are mandated. For trucks, annual inspections are required after registration, and after ten years, biannual inspections apply. 2. Legal Basis: "Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China" and "Implementation Regulations of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China". 3. Initial Inspection Content: The initial inspection verifies whether the motor vehicle meets the conditions for license plate issuance. The inspection includes: (1) Checking for the vehicle's user manual, certificate of conformity (or import vehicle inspection certificate), and completeness of factory markings on the vehicle body. (2) Measuring the vehicle's internal and external dimensions, including wheelbase and track width. Specific measurements include vehicle length, width, height, cargo compartment height and area, track width, and wheelbase. (3) Conducting technical inspections item by item according to standards. Upon passing, the "Motor Vehicle Initial Inspection Alteration Registration Form" is filled out, including the manufacturer-specified curb weight, load capacity, passenger capacity, and driver's compartment seating capacity.
I used to drive a 15-year-old car and was particularly concerned about the annual inspection policy. Now, the twice-a-year inspection has indeed been canceled. The new regulations in October 2022 changed the semi-annual inspection for cars over 15 years old to once a year. Back then, I had to take half a day off for each inspection, waiting in line and paying the inspection fees. The current policy relaxation is much more convenient. However, it's important to note that this inspection reform mainly applies to non-commercial passenger vehicles. Commercial vehicles like taxis and vans still follow the original inspection rules. I suggest that fellow owners of older cars regularly check components like brake lights and exhaust emissions, as these are prone to issues, especially with higher vehicle age increasing the probability of malfunctions.
