How Many Years Until a Truck is Scrapped?
4 Answers
Truck mandatory scrapping years depend on the nature of the truck. Mini trucks are mandatorily scrapped after 12 years, while other types of cargo trucks are scrapped after 15 years. Relevant information: Service life: For small and micro rental passenger vehicles (excluding pure electric vehicles) and motorcycles, relevant departments of the provincial, autonomous region, and municipal governments may formulate regulations stricter than the aforementioned service life based on local conditions, but small and micro rental passenger vehicles must not be less than 6 years, three-wheeled motorcycles must not be less than 10 years, and other motorcycles must not be less than 11 years. No service life limit: Small and micro non-operational passenger vehicles, large non-operational cars, and wheeled special machinery vehicles have no service life limit.
I used to drive a truck for several years, but had to replace it when it reached the mandatory scrapping age. In China, the scrapping period for trucks varies by model - light-duty trucks are generally scrapped after 15 years, while medium and heavy-duty trucks with larger cargo capacities can last up to 20 years. I remember my small truck was over 14 years old when annual inspections became troublesome, requiring expensive repairs each time and frequent minor issues. It became undrivable exactly at the 15-year mark. Traffic police enforce this strictly with heavy fines and license revocation for overdue vehicles. While new trucks are expensive, older ones become increasingly unsafe with failing brakes, malfunctioning lights, and higher accident risks. So I always advise fellow truck drivers to track their vehicle's lifespan and prepare for replacement in advance to avoid last-minute hassles.
I know that China's truck scrappage policy is categorized by vehicle type. Light-duty trucks are typically scrapped after 15 years, while medium and heavy-duty trucks like large trailers can be driven for up to 20 years before mandatory scrappage. Once a vehicle reaches its age limit, it can no longer be driven on the road and must be sent to a recycling facility for dismantling. This regulation is primarily for safety and environmental reasons—older vehicles often have severe emission issues, polluting the air, and aging components like engine problems can lead to major accidents. Additionally, annual inspections become more frequent as the vehicle ages. I've seen some trucks over 10 years old requiring inspections every six months, which is time-consuming and costly. If caught driving a vehicle past its scrappage age, the owner may face hefty fines, penalty points, and even insurance claim denials. It's advisable to research your vehicle's age limit in advance and plan for replacement timing to avoid the risks of driving an overaged truck.
I think the scrapping age for trucks is quite important. In China, light-duty trucks are scrapped after 15 years, while medium and heavy-duty trucks are scrapped after 20 years. Older vehicles cause severe air pollution and emit more exhaust, which is why the environmental protection department promotes this policy. Now, there is encouragement to switch to new energy vehicles, with the government sometimes offering subsidies, such as discounts for scrapping old trucks and purchasing electric ones. During annual inspections, older vehicles often fail to meet standards and have high fuel consumption. A friend of mine had his truck forcibly scrapped. Let's all respond to this initiative, as it helps reduce smog.
