How many years after purchasing a new car does it need to undergo an annual inspection?

[LeChloe]

New cars need to undergo an annual inspection after 6 years. After 6 years, the inspection is required every two years, and after exceeding 10 years, it becomes an annual inspection. Regulations for annual inspection: According to Article 70 of the "Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driving Licenses": Motor vehicle drivers shall, in accordance with the provisions of laws and administrative regulations, regularly undergo inspection at the traffic management department of the public security authority. When motor vehicle drivers renew their driving licenses in accordance with Articles 57 and 58 of these regulations, they shall undergo inspection by the traffic management department of the public security authority. Points to note for annual inspection: Inspection will not be passed if there are outstanding traffic violations or accidents, if the physical condition does not meet the driving license requirements, or if the driver has not participated in required study, education, and examinations as stipulated.

[ODylan]

I bought my car the year before last and did thorough research on this issue. For the first six years, new vehicles need to apply for the inspection compliance mark every two years via the Traffic Management 12123 APP, without visiting the inspection station in person. Starting from the sixth year, an on-site inspection is required—remember, it's exactly six years, not after seven full years. My neighbor went in the seventh month and ended up getting fined. Then, another inspection is due in the eighth year, and by the tenth year, it becomes an annual inspection. For cars older than fifteen years, inspections are required every six months. Everyone should remember to clear any traffic violations and have valid compulsory traffic insurance beforehand; otherwise, the system will reject the application. Don’t find it troublesome—it’s about ensuring road safety.

[DeKingston]

Last time I had my car repaired, I chatted with the mechanic about the annual inspection cycle. He said the first six years with a new car are the most hassle-free—just claim the inspection sticker every two years via a mobile app. But the sixth year is a turning point, requiring an in-person trip to the testing station for checks like lights and brakes. After that, inspections are needed every two years until the eighth year, then annually starting from the tenth year. I calculated the timeline: for example, a car bought in 2023 would claim the sticker in 2025, undergo on-site inspection in 2027, another in 2029, and then yearly inspections from 2033 onward. Older cars demand more frequent maintenance, with suspension bushings and exhaust systems being the most prone to issues.

[DeJaxon]

Many people mistakenly believe that new cars are completely exempt from inspection for six years, but that's incorrect. The current policy is a six-year exemption from on-site testing, but you still need to collect the inspection sticker every two years. I've set reminders on my phone: in the second and fourth years, you need to complete the process on the 12123 platform, and in the sixth year, you should allocate a full day to visit the inspection station. After the tenth year, inspections become more frequent. I once saw an old BMW fail the emissions test three times. It's advisable to regularly maintain the catalytic converter and use gasoline from reputable stations. Before the annual inspection deadline, check the thickness of the brake pads and the brightness of the lights, as these are mandatory inspection items.