
In China, pickup trucks are classified as light-duty trucks and have a mandatory scrappage period of 10 years. Owners can apply for an extension, which can be granted for up to 5 additional years. During the extension period, the vehicle must undergo two annual inspections. A pickup truck can be used for a maximum of 15 years before it is mandatorily scrapped. Below are the scrappage standards for other vehicle types: 1. Towing trucks, mining operation vehicles, mini trucks, and all types of taxis have a usage period of 8 years. Upon reaching the scrappage period, no extensions are allowed. 2. Non-commercial passenger vehicles with 9 seats or fewer (including sedans and SUVs) have a usage period of 15 years. If the owner wishes to continue using the vehicle after it reaches the scrappage standard, no approval is required, but the vehicle must pass inspections. The vehicle must undergo two annual inspections, and after 20 years, four annual inspections are required starting from the 21st year. 3. Light, medium, and heavy-duty trucks, tourist passenger vehicles, and non-commercial passenger vehicles with more than 9 seats have a usage period of 10 years. 4. The usage period for commercial buses has been adjusted to 10 years. If the owner wishes to continue using the vehicle after it reaches the scrappage standard, they must follow the approval process, and the extension cannot exceed 4 years. During the extension period, the vehicle must undergo four annual inspections. 5. Mopeds and motorcycles have a usage period of 9 years. No approval is required if the owner wishes to continue using the vehicle after it reaches the scrappage standard. 6. If a commercial vehicle is converted to non-commercial use or vice versa, the scrappage period is determined based on the commercial vehicle standard (8 years).

As a veteran pickup truck owner with over a decade of experience, let me talk about vehicle retirement. When I first bought it, I knew that light-duty trucks like pickups usually have a mandatory retirement period of 15 years, mainly because the government considers safety hazards as vehicles age. I bought mine in 2012, and it's almost reaching that age now. The vehicle condition is still decent, but I've heard some friends' trucks had to be retired after 15 years because the engine and suspension were too worn, making them risky to drive. I recommend regular maintenance, such as checking brakes and chassis, to extend its lifespan. Although the policy doesn't strictly require early retirement, if it fails the annual inspection, you'll have to replace it. Pay attention to your vehicle's condition—don't wait until problems arise to regret it.

Having worked in car repairs for many years, I've seen quite a few cases of pickup trucks being scrapped when they reach the age limit. Generally speaking, pickup trucks are classified as light-duty trucks, and the national regulations mandate a compulsory scrapping age of 15 years. By that time, vehicles are prone to mechanical failures, such as transmission or brake malfunctions. I recommend owners check the engine oil and tire wear every six months to reduce unexpected incidents. If the vehicle is in good condition and passes the annual inspection, it might still be drivable for a while longer, but 15 years is the bottom line. Don't wait until the vehicle breaks down on the road to start worrying; handling it in advance is more hassle-free.

Based on my understanding of the policy, the mandatory retirement age for pickup trucks is 15 years, as they are classified as light-duty trucks. This regulation comes from the Compulsory Retirement Standards for Motor Vehicles, primarily aimed at preventing accidents caused by aging vehicles. Additionally, vehicles exceeding 600,000 kilometers in mileage or with severe malfunctions will also be directed for retirement. Regular maintenance can slow down aging, and it is recommended that owners undergo annual inspections on time.


