How Many Years Does a New Car Need to Start Going to the Inspection Line?
2 Answers
For vehicles with fewer than seven seats, they do not need to go to the inspection line for the first six years. For vehicles with seven seats or more, they must go to the inspection line every two years. The specific details about vehicle annual inspections are as follows: 1. Introduction: Vehicle annual inspection refers to a mandatory test for every vehicle that has obtained an official license plate and registration certificate. It is equivalent to an annual physical examination for the vehicle according to the "Technical Conditions for Motor Vehicle Operation Safety." 2. Out-of-town Inspection: Vehicles can undergo annual inspections in a different location. The procedure for an out-of-town delegated inspection requires the vehicle owner to first apply to the original registration location before the annual inspection can be conducted. Additionally, an application must be submitted to the vehicle management office of the original registration location every year.
Our car just turned six years old and went for its first on-site inspection. I used to think the six-year exemption meant no checks at all, but later learned that new cars still need to collect an electronic inspection decal every two years during the first six years—just without driving to the inspection station. It’s only in the sixth year that an actual on-site inspection is required. Vans are an exception, though—whether passenger-carrying or not, they must start on-site inspections from the fifth year. So when buying a new car, always clarify the vehicle type, as this directly affects the inspection timeline. For example, my neighbor bought a 7-seater business van and got notified for an on-site inspection in the fourth year, thinking the salesperson tricked him—but it’s just policy treating different vehicle types differently. Also, a reminder: if you miss the inspection deadline and get caught, points and fines apply!
