How Many Years Is the Vehicle Inspection Exemption?
3 Answers
Vehicles are exempt from inspection for six years. For seven-seater and smaller passenger vehicles, new cars require inspection every two years for the first six years, after which an annual inspection is required. The inspection date corresponds to the month of the vehicle's registration. If the timing is inconvenient, the inspection can be conducted up to three months in advance, but this does not affect the next inspection date. Vehicle inspection items include: 1. Visual inspection: This primarily checks vehicle lights, body appearance, suspension, sunroof, and tires to ensure the lights are functioning properly, there are no non-working lights, the body color has not been altered, and the suspension has not been modified; 2. Exhaust emission test: This checks whether the exhaust emissions from the vehicle during high-speed operation meet national standards; 3. Online inspection: This mainly tests the vehicle's braking system, headlights, horn, and chassis; 4. Violation check: Before the vehicle inspection, any traffic violation records must be cleared to pass the annual inspection.
As a car owner, I have personally experienced the benefits of the exemption-from-inspection policy. In China, newly registered vehicles are exempt from on-site inspections for the first six years, but you must apply for an inspection sticker every two years. This can be easily done through the Traffic Management 12123 APP or at the local traffic bureau, requiring only the vehicle license. After six years, the rules change, and an annual on-site inspection is required. For vehicles over ten years old, inspections are required every six months. This system, implemented in 2020, primarily aims to reduce the burden on car owners, saving them queuing time and inspection fees, averaging hundreds of yuan and half a day per year. However, don’t rely too much on the exemption. I recommend regular self-checks on tires and brakes, as safety should always come first. Negligence could lead to serious accidents. Remember, the exemption applies only to private passenger cars; rules differ for trucks or taxis.
I've owned my car for over three years. The first year was inspection-free, and applying for the exemption label two years later went smoothly, taking just minutes online. Now new cars enjoy six years of inspection exemption—it feels like a small perk that saves time and hassle. However, a friend’s car had its front bumper damaged due to a neglected brake light during the exemption period, resulting in costly repairs. This serves as a reminder: exemption doesn’t mean neglecting your car—make it a habit to check tire pressure monthly. Post-exemption, things get trickier: annual inspections involve queues and may flag issues like lighting systems. Overall, the policy makes life easier, but safety responsibility lies with the owner—never slack off. Also, remember to renew the label on time to avoid fines if caught expired.
