How Many Years Are Passenger Cars Exempt from Annual Inspection?

[ValerieRose]

According to Article 16 of the "Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law", non-operational passenger vehicles are exempt from inspection for the first 6 years. However, owners are still required to apply for the inspection compliance label at designated vehicle management offices, motor vehicle registration service stations, or traffic police squadrons within the specified period and affix it to the upper right corner of the vehicle's front windshield. Implementation Period: The policy exempting non-operational passenger vehicles from inspection for the first 6 years has been in trial implementation since September 1, 2014. Vehicles registered after September 1, 2012, are eligible for two exemptions; those registered between September 1, 2010, and August 31, 2012, qualify for one exemption; vehicles registered before August 31, 2010, must still undergo annual inspections according to the original inspection regulations. According to Article 16 of the "Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law", the inspection schedules for different vehicle types are as follows: Operational passenger vehicles must be inspected annually within the first 5 years; after 5 years, every 6 months. Trucks and large or medium-sized non-operational passenger vehicles must be inspected annually within the first 10 years; after 10 years, every 6 months. Small and mini non-operational passenger vehicles must be inspected every 2 years within the first 6 years; after 6 years, annually; after 15 years, every 6 months. Motorcycles must be inspected every 2 years within the first 4 years; after 4 years, annually. Tractors and other motor vehicles must be inspected annually. Operational motor vehicles that pass the safety technical inspection within the specified inspection period are exempt from repeated safety technical inspections. Inspection items include: Appearance inspection: Take the appearance inspection form to the appearance station, where relevant procedures are checked first, verifying whether the third-party insurance (compulsory insurance) is valid. After the procedures are verified, the appearance inspection begins, focusing on whether the lights are damaged, if the vehicle's appearance conforms to its original state, if the suspension has been altered, as well as checking the sunroof, tires, etc. Emission testing: Before the test, staff will conduct a preliminary inspection, mainly verifying whether the engine number matches the vehicle registration certificate, briefly checking the appearance and condition of the vehicle, and then filling out the emission test form. During the test, the inspector drives the vehicle onto the line. New vehicles generally pass easily, and upon obtaining a qualified emission test form, the owner can proceed to the window to pay and receive the emission compliance label. If the vehicle fails, it must be adjusted at an auto repair shop and retested, requiring another test fee. On-line inspection: If the appearance inspection is passed, the vehicle queues for the on-line inspection. The inspection line checks the brakes, headlights (high beam), chassis, etc., taking about 5-10 minutes. After the vehicle is driven off the line, a computer-printed form is issued, listing items such as brakes, lights, and horn, with passing items marked as 0 and failing items as X. Typically, issues arise with lights and brakes. This is not a problem, as inspection sites have facilities to adjust lights and brakes. After brake adjustments, the vehicle must be retested on the line, but light adjustments only require a stamp after completion. According to the vehicle registration certificate, vehicles exempt from inspection must meet all four of the following conditions: Usage: Non-operational; Seating capacity: 6 persons or fewer; Vehicle types specified on the registration certificate: Mini car, small car, medium car, large car, small ordinary passenger car, small off-road passenger car, small special passenger car, mini ordinary passenger car, mini off-road passenger car; Registration date on or after September 1, 2010. Even if the vehicle's age and type comply with the regulations, the following vehicles are not eligible for exemption: Vehicles that have not been registered for over 4 years since the date of manufacture; Vehicles involved in accidents causing casualties; Vehicles with outstanding traffic violations or unresolved traffic accidents; Vehicles that were due for inspection before September 1, 2014, but were not inspected must still undergo inspection according to the original regulations. Required documents: Motor vehicle inspection label application form; motor vehicle registration certificate; motor vehicle traffic accident liability compulsory insurance certificate; vehicle and vessel tax payment or tax exemption certificate. National regulations stipulate that motor vehicles must periodically pass emission tests, as well as inspections for appearance, lights, brakes, chassis, etc., and must have no traffic violation records to receive the inspection compliance label. All inspection dates are based on the registration date on the vehicle registration certificate. From the date of registration, motor vehicles must undergo safety technical inspections within the following periods, commonly referred to as "annual inspections" or annual reviews. According to Article 90 of the "Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China", motor vehicle drivers who violate road traffic safety laws and regulations regarding road usage: All vehicles that have not undergone annual inspection by the deadline will be fined 200 yuan and receive 3 penalty points if driven on the road.