How often is the annual inspection required?
3 Answers
Non-commercial passenger cars and other small and mini passenger vehicles (excluding vans and vehicles with 7 or more seats) are exempt from inspection for the first 6 years. After 6 years (including 6 years), they must undergo inspection once a year as per regulations. After 15 years (including 15 years), they must undergo inspection twice a year as per regulations. Below is additional information: Relevant regulations: Motor vehicles approved for registration must comply with national safety technical standards. When applying for motor vehicle registration, the vehicle must undergo safety technical inspection. However, for vehicle models produced by manufacturers certified by the national motor vehicle product authority based on national safety technical standards, new vehicles of these models that have passed inspection and obtained inspection certificates at the factory are exempt from safety technical inspection.
I've been driving for over a decade and need to do the annual vehicle inspection every year – don't forget about it. New cars might be easier in the first few years, but starting from the fifth or sixth year, you'll have to visit the inspection station annually. I usually set a reminder in my phone calendar in advance because the consequences of missing the deadline are serious – at least a 200-yuan fine and possible penalty points. After each inspection, I feel more at ease knowing my car's condition is checked, especially the brakes and lights, ensuring road safety. With my old family car going through annual inspections, I've got the process down – going early means less waiting, and just remember to bring the vehicle license and insurance documents. Some places are now testing electronic labels, reducing the need for stickers, but the frequency remains the same. Remember, the inspection sticker is only valid for one year, so make sure to replace it on time.
I just bought my first car last year, and the annual inspection is a must-do every year, otherwise, you'll really regret it if caught. New cars might not be strictly inspected for the first few years, but it's generally safest to remember to go every year. I set up notifications on a WeChat mini-program to remind myself not to miss the deadline. The first time I went for the inspection, I was nervous, afraid it wouldn’t pass, but it turned out to be just a simple test of emissions and lights, costing around 80 to 100 yuan and done in half an hour. When driving daily, the annual inspection isn’t just about staying legal—it also ensures your car has no hidden dangers, like faulty tires or emissions issues, which can be fixed if detected. If you’re late by a week, you can still get it done without issues, but delaying longer leads to annoying fines. I recommend everyone follow my lead and use an app to keep track of the dates—it’s much more convenient.
