
Family cars require biannual inspections after 15 years. According to the relevant provisions of the Road Traffic Safety Law Implementation Regulations: small and micro non-operational passenger vehicles are exempt from inspection within 6 years; after 6 years, they require annual inspection; after 15 years, they require inspection every 6 months; after 20 years, they require quarterly inspections starting from the 21st year. Common reasons for failing the annual inspection include: 1. Substandard headlight performance: usually modified lights fail the inspection, or the lights have aged over time, resulting in insufficient brightness and transparency. 2. Vehicle brake failure: commonly caused by worn brake pads that were not replaced in time, leading to inspection failure. 3. Non-compliant vehicle exhaust emissions: older vehicles often face this issue due to lack of regular maintenance. Maintaining good driving habits and regular car maintenance is essential. 4. Unresolved traffic violation records: unpaid fines from traffic cameras or police tickets can prevent the annual inspection from being processed. These violations must be resolved before the inspection. 5. Maintaining the vehicle's appearance to match the driving license: modifications to the exhaust pipe, spoiler, tires, etc., will result in inspection failure.

After driving several cars, you'll learn this routine. For ordinary family sedans, the first 6 years require applying for inspection stickers online every 2 years; from years 6 to 10, you need to take the car for an on-site inspection every 2 years; between 10 to 15 years, annual inspections become mandatory; once the vehicle exceeds 15 years, it indeed requires biannual inspections. My old Jetta follows this pattern - making trips to the inspection station in early summer and winter each year. With aging vehicles, components like chassis rubber parts deteriorate and emission standards are more likely to be exceeded, so more frequent inspections actually help. I recommend preparing one month before your inspection deadline to avoid last-minute hassles.

In my years of auto repair, this is a common question from customers. The frequency of vehicle annual inspections depends on the age of the vehicle: new cars are exempt from inspection for the first six years, with the first on-site inspection required in the sixth year; between six to ten years, an on-site inspection is required every two years; from ten to fifteen years, an annual inspection is needed; for family cars over fifteen years old, regulations require two inspections per year. For example, last year our shop had a 2005 Corolla that needed inspections in both spring and summer to stay compliant. More frequent inspections for older cars can help identify hidden dangers like cracked brake hoses and aging wiring, which are crucial for driving safety. Owners of cars over fifteen years old should develop a habit of regular maintenance checks.

Last month, I took my old Honda Fit for its biannual inspection. For household vehicles over 15 years old, two annual inspections are mandatory, with the second one required six months after the first. This regulation makes sense—older cars experience greater engine wear and reduced brake sensitivity, so the dual-inspection system ensures critical components are checked. During my inspection, a faulty oxygen sensor was detected and repaired on the spot, preventing a major breakdown. Now, before each inspection, I check the lights, test tire pressure, and inspect the undercarriage to save time. Friends with cars over ten years old should pay attention to their vehicle's inspection schedule and book an appointment with the 4S store in advance for convenience.


