How often are motorcycles inspected?

[CarmenFitz]

Motorcycles must be inspected every 2 years within the first 4 years; after exceeding 4 years, they require annual inspection. Specific regulations are as follows: After initial registration, new motorcycles undergo biennial inspections for the first four years, followed by annual inspections thereafter. Normally, motorcycles are scrapped after 10 years, but those in good condition that pass inspection can extend service for up to 3 additional years (maximum 13 years before mandatory scrapping). According to Article 16 of the "Implementation Regulations of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China": Motor vehicles shall undergo safety technical inspections according to the following intervals from the date of registration: 1. Commercial passenger vehicles: Annual inspection within 5 years; semi-annual inspection after exceeding 5 years. 2. Trucks and large/medium non-commercial passenger vehicles: Annual inspection within 10 years; semi-annual inspection after exceeding 10 years. 3. Small/mini non-commercial passenger vehicles: Biennial inspection within 6 years; annual inspection after exceeding 6 years; semi-annual inspection after exceeding 15 years. 4. Motorcycles: Biennial inspection within 4 years; annual inspection after exceeding 4 years. 5. Tractors and other motor vehicles: Annual inspection.

[NaomiDella]

I just had my motorcycle inspected last year. For new bikes within six years, it's quite hassle-free—just collect the inspection exemption sticker every two years via the Traffic Management 12123 APP. After six years, you'll need to be more diligent, with a full inspection every two years covering lights, brakes, and emissions. If your motorcycle is over ten years old, you'll have to visit the inspection station annually. Recently, I've noticed many people are confused—exemption doesn't mean no inspection; the 6th and 8th years require mandatory inspections, and from the 10th year onward, it's annual. I recommend going three months early to avoid last-minute issues—last year, my neighbor almost missed the deadline due to a system glitch. Also, a heads-up for riders with added auxiliary lights or modified exhausts: there's an 80% chance you won't pass inspection unless you revert to stock.

[VonAlyssa]

The motorcycle annual inspection cycle is clearly divided into three tiers: exempt from on-site inspection for the first six years, but you must apply for the electronic inspection sticker every two years via the 12123 app—don’t assume no action is needed. After the first on-site inspection in the sixth year, inspections are required every two years from the seventh to ninth year—my cousin’s Kawasaki follows this schedule. For motorcycles over ten years old, an annual visit to the inspection station is mandatory; remember to bring the original insurance policy and ID documents. A key point is the sixth-year milestone: many riders mistakenly believe the new-vehicle period lasts six years, but you must prepare for the sixth-year on-site inspection as soon as the fifth year ends. Those who’ve modified their brakes, take special note—last year, I helped someone who needed three retests to pass.

[MarleyDella]

As a veteran rider with 15 years of motorcycle experience, the annual inspection cycle has changed several times. Under the new regulations, motorcycles purchased after October 2022 have it easiest - only requiring two online exemptions for the first six years. From the sixth year onward, they need biennial inspections, and annual inspections after the tenth year. My 2018 model will undergo its eighth-year inspection next year. Remember to clear any traffic violations before inspection, and replace faulty bulbs immediately - I've seen people turned away for just one brake light being out. DMVs now offer appointment scheduling, with much shorter queues if you avoid month-end.