How long is the validity period for new vehicle inspection?
3 Answers
For the first 6 years, new vehicles are exempt from inspection, but the annual inspection sticker must be renewed every 2 years at the vehicle management office. The materials required for the biennial sticker renewal during the six-year exemption period are as follows: 1. For individual vehicle inspection: original vehicle license, copy of compulsory traffic insurance, ID card copy, and the vehicle. 2. For company vehicle inspection: original vehicle license, copy of compulsory traffic insurance, organization code certificate of the People's Republic of China (with fresh seal), power of attorney (with fresh seal), agent's ID card copy, and the vehicle. Vehicles eligible for the inspection exemption only need to fill out the 'Motor Vehicle Inspection Sticker Application Form' at the vehicle management office, motor vehicle registration service station, or traffic police squadron to receive the motor vehicle inspection sticker and vehicle license.
I remember when I bought a new car, I was always curious about how long the new car inspection was valid for. Later, I asked the DMV and found out that for small passenger cars, the annual inspection usually starts in the sixth year after registration, but the first inspection is in the second year, with inspections every two years. After the sixth year, you have to go every year. It sounds quite user-friendly, as new drivers don’t need to rush to the inspection station right away. At the time, I bought an SUV and drove it freely to and from work in the first year without worrying about inspections. By the second year, when the reminder alarm went off, I rushed to get the lights, brakes, and emissions checked—I almost forgot and got fined with penalty points, which was really frustrating. I suggest that when you buy a new car, check the local regulations and set a reminder in your phone to avoid trouble. If the car is in good condition, inspections are quick, affordable, and don’t waste much time.
Just getting into car management, I often ponder the validity period of new vehicle inspections: for small ordinary passenger cars, it's relatively hassle-free in the first few years. The first inspection is required two years after registration, followed by biennial inspections until the sixth year when it switches to annual checks. This design is quite reasonable, as new cars generally have stable quality, making less frequent inspections less bothersome. From a safety perspective, I suggest not underestimating this matter—inspections can check brake lights and engine conditions, preventing potential hazards. There might be regional variations, but based on my research, cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou follow similar procedures. If caught driving with an expired inspection, you could face a fine starting at 200 yuan, 3 demerit points, and still need to complete the inspection—definitely not worth it. I recommend owners maintain their cars in good condition and book inspection appointments in advance for a smooth process. Failing to inspect on time can also complicate insurance claims, so don’t overlook this small regulation.
