How often are vehicles inspected in Guangzhou?
3 Answers
Vehicle inspection intervals vary from every 6 months to every 6 years, with most requiring annual inspections. For passenger transport vehicles, inspections are required once a year within the first 5 years. For cargo vehicles and large or medium-sized non-commercial passenger vehicles, inspections are required once a year within the first 10 years. Required documents: Original third copy of the compulsory traffic accident liability insurance certificate (if the original is lost, submit a copy of any other copy with the insurance company's seal or a reissue certificate provided by the insurance company; if the original was retained during the last inspection, provide any original copy and its photocopy). Paper documents are not required if verified through the online system. Vehicle and vessel tax: Vehicle and vessel tax payment or tax exemption certificate (Guangdong police license plate vehicles, pure electric vehicles with a seating capacity of 9 or fewer passengers and no engine displacement are not subject to vehicle and vessel tax and do not require relevant certificates). Paper documents are not required if verified through the online system.
As a veteran driver from Guangzhou with over a decade of experience, I have to talk about the annual vehicle inspection. For new cars, there's no need for an on-site inspection in the first 6 years, but you must apply for an inspection compliance sticker on your phone every two years. It's quite simple—just download the 12123 APP. From 6 to 10 years, you'll need to visit an inspection station every two years to check basic items like brakes, lights, and emissions. If your car is over 10 years old, it gets stricter, requiring an annual inspection. In Guangzhou, there are many inspection sites in the city, like the one in Baiyun District, which is quite convenient. But it's best to book an appointment in advance to avoid queues. Why stick to the schedule? Being late not only means a fine of a few hundred yuan but could also affect your insurance claims. From my experience, regular maintenance is key—for example, frequently burnt-out bulbs can cause trouble during inspections, so fixing them early saves both hassle and money.
I've been getting by in Guangzhou with my newly purchased car these years. New cars are really user-friendly—exempt from on-site inspections for the first six years, only requiring badge collection, and the biennial process can be easily completed via WeChat mini-programs or apps. But don’t get complacent. Once your car hits 6 years or older, the rules tighten up: from 6 to 10 years, you’ll need an on-site inspection every two years for lights, brakes, etc.; after 10 years, it’s an annual hassle, but skipping it isn’t an option. Inspection stations in Guangzhou always have long queues, especially during peak summer hours—booking a day ahead is a smart move. Safety first! My neighbor got fined 200 yuan and lost points for overdue inspection, and if an accident happens, insurance won’t cover it. Also, keep up with regular maintenance—fresher tires make for a smoother ride.
