How many years does a motor vehicle need to undergo an on-site inspection?
3 Answers
Motor vehicles only need to undergo on-site inspections 3 times within 10 years, specifically in the 6th, 8th, and 10th years after the initial registration of the new vehicle. Here are the details: Fixed-time on-site inspection: Motor vehicles must undergo on-site inspections at fixed intervals to ensure the safety of the vehicle and the driver. For 7 to 9-seater motor vehicles that are over 6 years old but under 10 years old, the inspection frequency has been adjusted from once a year to once every two years. New annual inspection policy: The new annual inspection policy essentially reduces the number of inspections required. Motor vehicles only need to undergo on-site inspections 3 times within 10 years, specifically in the 6th and 8th years after the initial registration of the new vehicle. For example, a newly licensed private car previously required applying for an inspection compliance label in the 2nd and 4th years without an on-site inspection. By the 6th year, it needed an annual on-site inspection at a testing facility. However, under the new policy, only the 6th and 8th years require on-site inspections, while the 7th and 9th years are exempt from on-site inspections.
When I first bought my car, it was quite hassle-free. For the first 6 years, I didn’t need to visit the inspection station at all—just had to get a new inspection sticker every two years through the Traffic Management 12123 APP, which was super convenient. After the car turned 6 years old, it had to undergo an annual inspection, where things like the braking system and exhaust emissions were checked. The whole process only took about an hour. Now my car is almost 10 years old, and I heard that once it exceeds 10 years, inspections are required every six months to prevent issues from aging. I recommend setting a phone reminder so you don’t miss the deadline—otherwise, you’ll face fines and have to go through a re-inspection, which is even more troublesome. During regular maintenance, it’s also a good idea to ask the mechanic about the car’s condition to prevent failing the inspection. In short, the rule is simple: new cars are easy, but older ones need more frequent attention—safety first!
As an average car owner, my priorities are safety and cost-effectiveness. The inspection schedule is crucial: private passenger vehicles are exempt from on-site inspections for the first 6 years but must obtain inspection decals biennially; from 6 to 10 years, they require annual comprehensive inspections; after 10 years, inspections become semi-annual. I learned this the hard way when a delayed inspection cost me a 200-yuan fine and penalty points—simply not worth it. On-site inspections cover critical components like lighting and braking systems, helping identify potential hazards such as tire wear or electrical issues. I recommend correlating annual inspections with mileage records and maintaining regular servicing—this saves money while extending vehicle lifespan and preventing sudden breakdowns. Stay compliant with regulations; don't wait for police intervention to regret negligence.
