How Many Years After Purchase Does a Car Require Biannual Inspections?
3 Answers
Vehicles that have been in use for over 15 years require biannual inspections, while those between 6 to 15 years old need an annual inspection. For privately-owned non-commercial passenger vehicles, the first six years qualify for exemption from physical inspection, though owners must still submit compulsory insurance documents every two years to obtain the inspection decal. The purpose of annual vehicle inspections is to identify potential issues, mitigate safety hazards, and ensure driver safety. According to regulations, the inspection cycle is determined by the vehicle's initial registration date. For example, if a car was first registered in February 2019, its annual inspection would be due every February. Note that inspections can be conducted up to 3 months in advance but must not be delayed.
After buying a car, if the vehicle is over 15 years old, it indeed requires two inspections per year. I remember driving for over a decade and just replacing an old car—each time, I had to visit the inspection station twice. This policy is mainly for safety considerations, as older cars are prone to issues like brake pad wear or excessive emissions, and an accident on the road could be disastrous. When it's a new car, things are much simpler—no need for an on-site inspection for the first 6 years. But once it hits the 15-year mark, the workload doubles. I’d like to remind everyone that it’s best to book inspections in advance to avoid peak times and save time. Also, with proper maintenance, even an older car can pass inspections more smoothly. Personally, I make it a habit to check the tires and lights every six months to avoid getting stuck during the inspection. In short, weigh this burden carefully before buying an older car.
From a policy perspective, it is a standard regulation that vehicles over 15 years old require biannual inspections. For example, new cars are exempt from on-site inspections for the first 6 years after registration, then annual inspections from years 7 to 15, after which the frequency increases to every six months. This is not without reason—older vehicles pose more safety hazards, such as engine carbon buildup or suspension aging, which could lead to accidents. I've studied this regulation, and it's because vehicle performance deteriorates rapidly with age. Biannual inspections help identify issues early, ensuring road safety for everyone. In fact, policies have been optimized in recent years, such as extending the exemption period for new cars, but the rules for older vehicles remain unchanged. I recommend car owners check their vehicle's manufacturing year—if it's over 15 years old, they should strictly adhere to the biannual inspection schedule. Also, pay attention to service changes at inspection stations; many now offer online booking, making the process much more convenient.
