How Many Years Before a Car Requires Biannual Inspections?
3 Answers
Passenger vehicles over 15 years old require biannual inspections. Non-commercial passenger cars and similar vehicles are exempt from inspection for the first 6 years. During this 6-year period, the vehicle owner or the unit to which the vehicle belongs must submit proof of compulsory traffic insurance and vehicle and vessel tax to the vehicle management office every two years, and then directly apply to the public security traffic management department for the inspection compliance mark. Below is relevant information about vehicle annual inspections: 1. Purpose: The purpose of vehicle annual inspections is to identify existing problems in vehicles, reduce safety hazards, and thereby ensure the driving safety of vehicle owners. According to relevant regulations, the timing of vehicle annual inspections is determined by the date of initial registration of the new vehicle. For example, if the initial registration date on the motor vehicle license is February 2019, then the annual inspection time is every February. It is important to note that the annual inspection can be conducted up to 3 months in advance, but cannot be postponed. 2. Inspection Schedule for Different Vehicle Types: Small and micro non-commercial passenger vehicles: inspection every 2 years for the first 6 years; annually after exceeding 6 years; biannually after exceeding 15 years. Commercial passenger vehicles: annually for the first 5 years; every 6 months after exceeding 5 years. Trucks and large and medium non-commercial passenger vehicles: annually for the first 10 years; every 6 months after exceeding 10 years.
My small car has reached the 15-year mark, so now it requires biannual inspections. I remember when I first bought it, the policy only mandated annual inspections for vehicles over 10 years old. But now the rules have tightened—cars over 15 years must be inspected every six months. Every half year, I queue up at the testing station to have the brakes, lights, emissions, and other components checked to ensure the car is safe. Once, I delayed the inspection by a few days and got fined 200 yuan. I also nearly had an accident because the worn brake pads weren’t detected in time. Older cars experience faster part wear, so semiannual inspections make sense—they prevent costly breakdowns. Road safety comes first, especially when transporting kids, so I recommend setting calendar reminders. Inspection fees are low, but they do take time. Performing regular maintenance beforehand can boost the pass rate. In short, the higher inspection frequency for cars over 15 years is for everyone’s benefit—don’t take chances.
Small cars require two annual inspections after 15 years of use, a topic I just discussed with friends recently. As a novice driver, my 5-year-old car doesn't need this yet, but my neighbor mentioned his 20-year-old vehicle visits the inspection station every six months. The inspection covers checking headlight brightness, tire wear, emission standards, etc., to prevent breakdowns. Skipping inspections carries significant risks - you might get stopped by traffic police for fines, and insurance could deny accident claims. Older cars are prone to issues, so biannual checks help identify problems early. For instance, aged braking systems could cause accidents. When buying used cars, it's advisable to avoid those nearing 15 years for peace of mind. Road safety isn't just personal responsibility but also respect for pedestrians - everyone should remember this inspection cycle.
