How many years before a new car is exempt from annual inspection?
2 Answers
New cars are exempt from annual inspection for 6 years, with the following policy conditions: 1. The motor vehicle must be a non-commercial vehicle; 2. The vehicle's rated passenger capacity is 6 or fewer. Starting from November 20, 2020, non-commercial mini and small passenger vehicles with 7 to 9 seats are included in the exemption scope; 3. Vehicle types specified on the driving license: sedan (mini, compact, mid-size, full-size), mini ordinary passenger vehicle, mini off-road passenger vehicle, compact ordinary passenger vehicle, compact off-road passenger vehicle, compact special passenger vehicle; 4. Vehicles that underwent registration procedures within 4 years from the manufacturing date; 5. Meeting all the above conditions, and no fatal traffic accidents occurred during the exemption period.
I just bought a new car last year and was initially thrilled to hear about the exemption from inspection, only to later realize that 'exemption' doesn’t mean you can completely ignore it. For the first six years after registering a new car, it’s indeed exempt from on-site inspections, meaning you don’t have to drive to the inspection station and wait in line for checks. However, you still need to visit the vehicle management office or apply online for the inspection sticker every two years. A friend of mine forgot about this and ended up getting fined, which really wasn’t worth it. When applying, just bring your ID card, vehicle license, and other required documents—the whole process can take as little as ten minutes if everything goes smoothly. Additionally, if the car has been involved in a major accident or undergone modifications like changing the lights during the exemption period, it might no longer qualify for the exemption. I think this policy is great for commuters like me who drive every day, saving a lot of time and hassle. It’s important to regularly check the car’s condition during routine maintenance to avoid any issues down the line. After six years, the car will need to start undergoing formal on-site inspections, with the frequency gradually increasing, so it’s good to keep this in mind for future planning.
