How Long Until a Vehicle is Scrapped?
2 Answers
Non-commercial vehicles and commercial vehicles have different scrapping periods, as detailed below: Scrapping regulations for non-commercial vehicles: For household 5-seat sedans and 7-seat SUVs, as well as small and micro non-commercial vehicles, there is no usage period limit. When the normal mileage reaches 600,000 kilometers, the state will guide the scrapping process. In addition to the above vehicles, small and micro non-commercial passenger vehicles, large non-commercial sedans, and wheeled special machinery vehicles also have no usage period limit. Common scrapping regulations for commercial vehicles: Small and micro taxi passenger vehicles have a scrapping period of 8 years, medium-sized taxi passenger vehicles have a scrapping period of 10 years, and large taxi passenger vehicles have a scrapping period of 12 years. Public transport passenger vehicles have a scrapping period of 13 years, other small and micro commercial passenger vehicles have a scrapping period of 10 years, and large and medium-sized commercial passenger vehicles have a scrapping period of 15 years. Micro commercial trucks have a scrapping period of 8 years, while light and large commercial trucks have a scrapping period of 10 years. The vehicle scrapping process is as follows: The vehicle owner applying for scrapping and renewal must fill out the "Motor Vehicle Change, Transfer, Modification, Suspension, and Scrapping Approval Application Form" in duplicate and affix the owner's seal. The registration office will accept the application and issue a "Vehicle Scrapping Notice" for vehicles that have reached the scrapping period. For vehicles that have not reached the scrapping period, the motor vehicle inspection office will determine if they meet the scrapping standards and issue a "Vehicle Scrapping Notice" if applicable. The vehicle owner can choose a qualified recycling company to dismantle the vehicle with the "Notice". The recycling company will dismantle the vehicle and take photos after verifying the "Notice". The engine must be separated from the vehicle, the engine block must be broken, and the frame (chassis) must be cut. The vehicle owner must submit the "Change Form", "XX Province Vehicle Renewal Technical Appraisal Form", "Scrapped Vehicle Recycling Certificate", and photos of the dismantled vehicle to the motor vehicle inspection office for verification and signature. The license plates will be reclaimed, and the scrapping registration will be processed according to regulations after approval. Special notes: According to Article 30 of the "Motor Vehicle Registration Regulations", if the vehicle cannot be driven back to the registration location due to damage, the owner can sell the scrapped vehicle to a local motor vehicle recycling company. If a commercial vehicle is converted to a non-commercial vehicle, it must be scrapped according to the original commercial vehicle's scrapping period. According to Article 43 of the "Motor Vehicle Registration Regulations", after completing the transfer or cancellation of motor vehicle registration, the original owner can apply to the vehicle management office to use the original license plate number when registering a newly purchased motor vehicle. The application to use the original license plate number must meet the following conditions: (1) The application must be submitted within six months after the transfer or cancellation of registration; (2) The owner must have owned the original vehicle for more than three years.
The vehicle's scrapping time is not fixed and mainly depends on how you use and maintain it. My old car ran for almost 18 years before being scrapped, primarily because it was well-maintained with regular oil changes, brake pad inspections, and tire wear checks. The key factor is whether it can pass the annual inspection—if the brakes fail or emissions exceed standards, the vehicle management office will directly enforce scrapping. The economic aspect is also crucial; when repair costs become too high, it’s better to replace the car for peace of mind. Safety risks cannot be ignored, as older cars are prone to breakdowns on highways. I recommend a comprehensive check every 100,000 kilometers. Using high-quality parts regularly can extend its lifespan by a few years. On average, 12 to 15 years is common, but personal habits determine everything.
