How often do small cars undergo inspection and testing?

[JoannaFitz]

Small cars require inspection every 6 years. Within the first 6 years, they need to be inspected every 2 years, with an on-road test required in the sixth year. The on-road test involves checking 9 items of the vehicle, including exhaust emissions, side slip, speedometer, axle weight, lights, noise, chassis, and brakes. Vehicles that undergo inspection every 2 years within the first 6 years do not require an on-road test. Vehicle annual inspection refers to a mandatory test for all vehicles that have obtained official license plates and registration certificates, equivalent to an annual health check for the vehicle according to the safety technical conditions for motor vehicle operation. Vehicle annual inspections help promptly eliminate potential safety hazards, encourage better maintenance, and reduce the occurrence of traffic accidents.

[TaliaFitz]

Now the annual inspection policy for small cars is quite convenient. For the first 6 years, new cars don't need to visit the inspection station at all, but remember to click for an electronic inspection mark on the Traffic Management 12123 APP every 2 years, just like clocking in. When the car is between 6 and 10 years old, you'll need to take it for an on-site inspection in the 6th and 10th years, while other years still allow you to apply for the exemption mark via the APP. For cars older than 10 years, you'll have to report to the inspection line annually. As an experienced driver, I just completed the process under the new policy. For my 8-year-old car, I didn't even need to open the car door - it took just two minutes on my phone. The system automatically checks for traffic violations, and if qualified, pushes the electronic mark. Of course, if you fail to inspect on time and get caught three times, you'll lose all 12 points on your license, so it's best to get it done before the registration month.

[ODerek]

Vehicle inspection is divided into three stages: For new cars within 6 years, it's the most hassle-free, requiring only biennial online application for an exemption mark without even moving the car; when the car age enters the 6 to 10-year stage, the 6th and 10th years require actual on-site testing, while other years continue to be exempt; cars over 10 years enter a 'retirement mode,' needing annual inspection station visits. Last week, I accompanied a neighbor to the inspection station—his 9-year-old Corolla happened to be in its 8th year, allowing direct online operation and saving two hours of queuing. Remember not to miss stamping the inspection seal on the duplicate of the vehicle license; now, some areas have even canceled paper marks, relying entirely on electronic records.

[Mckenzie]

The annual inspection cycle can be determined by the vehicle's age: New vehicles are exempt from on-site inspections for the first 6 years, but inspection labels must be applied for in the 2nd and 4th years. For vehicles aged 6-10 years, on-site inspections are only required in the 6th and 10th years. After 10 years, an annual inspection is mandatory. Last year, I encountered a young car owner who thought exemption meant no action was needed, resulting in a penalty for overdue inspection. In fact, the biennial app procedure is simpler than ordering takeout. Also, modifications like headlights or exhaust pipes may affect the inspection pass rate. Inspection fees typically range from 200 to 300 RMB, with little variation across regions. It's advisable to schedule the inspection around the vehicle's registration month to avoid the year-end rush.

[AveryAnn]

The current annual inspection policy is particularly favorable for passenger cars: the first 6 years are essentially an exemption period, requiring only a biennial online procedure; for vehicles over 6 years old, only key milestones are inspected—physical tests at years 6 and 10, with electronic tag renewal for other years; annual inspections resume only after the vehicle reaches 10 years old. My colleague was still introduced to the old policy by the salesperson when purchasing a car last year, but in fact, the 2022 regulations had already relaxed the requirements. However, policies differ for commercial vehicles and minivans, and repainting over 30% of a regular passenger car requires re-registration. Remember to settle all traffic violations beforehand, as inspection station systems are all interconnected.

[VanEmmanuel]

Vehicle annual inspections are divided into three tiers: For cars within 6 years, it's the most hassle-free, only requiring online application for electronic inspection labels in the 2nd and 4th years; When your beloved car enters the middle-aged phase of 6 to 10 years, focus on comprehensive inspections in the 6th and 10th years; For senior cars over 10 years old, inspections are required annually. Take my 8-year-old car for example, last year I completed the inspection exemption in just three minutes using the self-service machine at the traffic police station. Note that although exempted vehicles don't need to go through the inspection line, the biennial procedures must not be forgotten, as overdue inspections will still result in penalty points and fines. Owners who have modified their engines need to complete additional registration, otherwise, the inspection will be directly blocked.