How Many Years Does a New Car Need to Start Going to the Inspection Line?
4 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!
I remember the private vehicle inspection cycle changed significantly after the 2020 reform. My car was bought five years ago, and just last month after its sixth birthday, I was urged to take it for inspection. I used to hear veteran drivers say new cars needed inspection every two years, but now the policy has been relaxed. For vehicles within ten years, only two on-site inspections are required—at the sixth and tenth years—making things much easier. However, if the car has modifications, you need to be careful. Last year, I saw someone fail inspection because their headlight modifications weren’t registered. Also, don’t take chances with accident-damaged cars—major repairs will face stricter inspection criteria. It’s advisable to check your car’s condition before the inspection deadline, like fixing minor issues such as brake lights in advance to avoid unnecessary trouble.
Just completed the annual inspection for our company's fleet. The inspection cycle for new vehicles is divided into three scenarios: ordinary family passenger cars are exempt from on-site inspections for the first six years, with the first inspection due in the sixth year; SUVs or MPVs with more than seven seats are special, requiring on-site inspections every two years for the first six years; commercial vehicles face the strictest requirements, with annual inspections for the first five years. Our newly purchased refrigerated truck in the fleet had to undergo an on-site inspection as soon as it turned one year old, much more frequently than private cars. Here’s a common misconception: exemption from inspection ≠ no procedures required! Even if exempt from on-site inspections, you must still obtain the electronic label on time via the 12123 platform. Last year, one of our company’s cars was fined for forgetting to get the label. Rental cars have it even worse, as they are all inspected according to commercial vehicle standards.
