
For sedans that are over 10 years old, an annual inspection is required. For those over 15 years old, inspections are required every six months. Below are the relevant details: 1. Inspection regulations: Sedans over 10 years old must undergo an annual inspection, while those over 15 years old require inspections every six months. For new vehicles, within the first 6 years, they are exempt from inspection twice (inspection marks must be applied for every two years, but no physical vehicle inspection is required). 2. Important notes: In the 6th and 8th years, the vehicle must undergo an on-site inspection. For vehicles over 10 years old, the original inspection cycle still applies, meaning vehicles aged 10 to 15 years require an annual inspection, and those over 15 years require inspections every six months. Vehicle owners can apply for an inspection compliance mark at the local vehicle management office up to 3 months before the expiration of the current inspection period.

My family's car has been used for over ten years, and it needs to go to the inspection station once a year. I remember that in the sixth year, it had to undergo on-site testing for things like lights and brakes, and by the tenth year, the inspection was even more comprehensive, covering exhaust emissions and the chassis. The new policy changes are really great—before, cars over fifteen years old had to be inspected every six months, which was exhausting. If you don’t drive much, checking the lights and tire pressure yourself before the annual inspection can save a lot of trouble by addressing minor issues in advance. Now, inspection stations also allow appointments, so avoiding weekend peak times usually means getting it done in just one morning, and the cost is around two hundred, which is quite reasonable. However, for older cars, it’s really important to get them inspected on time—safety comes first. If any issues are found, fixing them immediately gives peace of mind.

My friend's 12-year-old car has to undergo annual inspections, and he was complaining about the long queues the other day. Actually, the key to passing the inspection lies in preparation: make sure the lights work, the fire extinguisher is within its validity period, the warning triangle is present, and avoid unauthorized modifications to the exterior. I suggested he visit an auto repair shop a week in advance for a pre-inspection, replacing consumables like brake pads and bulbs to pass the test in one go and save hassle. Inspection stations have also upgraded their services—some offer valet services where you just hand over the keys and skip the queue. Also, remember to keep the insurance valid and try not to schedule the inspection and insurance renewal on conflicting dates.

Last week, I accompanied my neighbor to inspect his 11-year-old Passat. The process was quite quick: first, pay the fee and get the form, then check the exterior lights, proceed to the line for brake, emissions, and braking tests, and finally receive the inspection sticker. I noticed a pattern—older cars most often fail due to issues with lights and the handbrake. His left headlight wasn’t bright enough, and the inspector taught him how to adjust the angle on the spot. It’s advisable to check the lights before the annual inspection, as the angle of low beams tends to be too high. Many inspection stations now have added re-inspection lanes, so you don’t have to queue again after making adjustments. Also, avoid using middlemen—the entire process is now online, making fraud impossible.


