How many years does it take for a sedan to require two annual inspections?
3 Answers
Commercial passenger vehicles over 5 years old and small/mini non-commercial passenger vehicles over 15 years old require two annual inspections. Timeframe: For passenger cars and blue-license-plate minivans: within the first six years after initial registration, inspections are required every two years; after six years, annually; after ten years, once annually; and after fifteen years, twice annually. For trucks: annual inspection after registration, and twice annually after ten years. Regulations: If a vehicle is found by traffic police to have not undergone annual inspection, the owner may face fines or vehicle impoundment. Additionally, in insurance contracts, vehicles not timely inspected are considered unqualified, and no claims will be paid in the event of an accident.
I'm an average car owner driving an old vehicle that's just hit the 15-year mark, which means it now requires biannual inspections. Having to visit the testing station every six months is admittedly a bit annoying, but I understand – older cars are more prone to issues like worn brake systems or excessive emissions, and skipping inspections could lead to accidents. During my last inspection, the lights failed the test, and I had to spend a small amount on repairs to pass. This experience reminded me to pay more attention to such details during regular maintenance, rather than scrambling at inspection time. I heard the policy changed after 2019 – it might have been different before. Now, cars aged 10-15 years require annual inspections, while those over 15 need two per year. It's wise to factor in the vehicle's age when buying a used car to save both money and hassle.
As a young person who recently bought a car, I researched vehicle policies and learned that sedans require biannual inspections after 15 years. New cars are almost inspection-free for the first 6 years, with frequency gradually increasing thereafter. The 15-year threshold is set considering heightened safety risks. A friend who drives an older car complains about this, citing inconvenience, but the measure is reasonable—older cars are prone to issues like loose chassis or engine oil leaks, and inspections help prevent accidents. I suggest considering the vehicle's age when choosing a car; 5 to 10-year-old cars have lower inspection frequencies and are more cost-effective. Regularly checking vehicle condition reports and preparing in advance can minimize hassle.
