How many times should a vehicle over 15 years old be inspected per year?
3 Answers
Vehicles over 15 years old should be inspected twice a year. According to the regulations of the Road Traffic Safety Law Implementation Regulations: 1. Operational passenger vehicles must be inspected once a year within the first 5 years, and every 6 months after exceeding 5 years; 2. Trucks and large or medium-sized non-operational passenger vehicles must be inspected once a year within the first 10 years, and every 6 months after exceeding 10 years; 3. Small and mini non-operational passenger vehicles are exempt from inspection for the first 6 years, but must apply for an inspection mark every two years. Currently, cross-regional annual inspections are also possible. The procedure for cross-regional entrusted inspection requires the vehicle owner to first apply to the original registration location before the annual inspection can be conducted, and an application must be submitted to the vehicle management office of the original registration location every year.
I drive a nearly 20-year-old classic car. According to regulations, vehicles over 15 years old must undergo an annual inspection. This is by no means unnecessary—just think about all the issues that crop up as a car ages: brake discs wear out faster, exhaust pipes develop leaks, and lighting circuits become prone to malfunctions. Last year during my inspection, my car almost failed due to excessive engine emissions. Thankfully, timely checks and repairs got it sorted. I recommend doing some self-checks every six months, like checking tire pressure and oil levels. Proper regular maintenance can save you a lot of money and time. Don’t wait until the annual inspection reveals problems to panic—safe driving is what matters most. An old car is like an old friend; it needs extra care to stay by your side longer.
As someone who always pays attention to car safety, I know that vehicles over 15 years old require annual inspections due to higher risks from aging. With prolonged use, brake systems tend to loosen and lights dim, making accidents more likely if not checked in time. Annual inspections focus on these critical components. I recommend developing a habit of checking brake pads and tire treads regularly, in addition to mandatory inspections. Neglecting inspections may lead to fines or worse accidents on the road. Regular maintenance also extends vehicle lifespan, such as cleaning fuel lines to avoid failing emission tests. Safety is no trivial matter—don't let a small issue turn into a major disaster.
