
In 2021, a 2008 sedan requires one annual inspection per year. Here is an introduction to vehicle annual inspections: 1. New cars within 6 years: New cars within 6 years can be exempt from inspection twice (inspection marks need to be applied for every two years, without the need for on-site vehicle testing). 2. At the 6th and 8th years: At the 6th and 8th years, the vehicle must undergo on-site testing. 3. Private cars over 10 years old: For private cars over 10 years old, the original inspection cycle still applies, i.e., one inspection per year for cars between 10 and 15 years old, and one inspection every six months for cars over 15 years old. The vehicle owner can apply for an inspection compliance mark at the vehicle registration office within three months before the expiration of the current inspection period.

My old 2008 Accord has been running for over a decade, and I've always remembered to get it inspected annually. Two years ago, I heard about policy changes and specifically consulted a friend at the DMV. As long as it's a private car, even if it's over 15 years old, it no longer requires biannual inspections. Now, although my car is old, the new national regulations have relaxed the requirements—after 15 years, it only needs an annual inspection. Last week, I just went to the inspection station with my vehicle license and ID card, and it cost me a little over 300 yuan to get it done. A reminder to everyone: check your vehicle's emission standards in advance, so you don't end up like me last year, almost failing the test.

As a veteran taxi driver with 20 years of experience, my friends often ask me about annual vehicle inspections. For vehicles from 2008 that have reached 15 years of age, special attention is required. Since the new regulations in October last year, the twice-a-year inspection has been canceled. For your car, you only need to visit the inspection station once a year now. Remember to handle any traffic violations in advance, as lights and brakes are mandatory inspection items. I just had my own car inspected last month—using an agent cost an extra 80 yuan, but it saved me a lot of hassle. Cars in good condition usually pass on the first try, while older vehicles might need some exhaust system repairs.

I just took my 2008 Passat for the annual inspection, and the staff mentioned the new regulations have changed. Previously, vehicles over 15 years old required semi-annual inspections, but now it's uniformly once a year. They suggested avoiding the end-of-month peak period. I went on Tuesday morning and finished in just one hour. Remember to bring a copy of the compulsory traffic insurance and the triangular warning sign. If you've modified the lights, they need to be restored to original. Inspection fees vary by region; here in Shandong, it costs 260 yuan.


