How often is the annual vehicle inspection required?
3 Answers
Annual vehicle inspections are required once every year. For vehicles over 10 years old, inspections are required every 6 months. Small and micro non-operational passenger vehicles within 6 years require inspection once every 2 years; after exceeding 6 years, inspection is required once every year; after exceeding 15 years, inspection is required every 6 months. If a motor vehicle fails to obtain the inspection compliance mark for 3 consecutive inspection cycles after the expiration of the valid inspection period, it will be mandatorily scrapped. Vehicles that do not undergo inspections on time not only lack driving safety guarantees but will also result in a 3-point penalty for the driver according to the Road Traffic Safety Law. For any traffic accidents caused by vehicles that have not undergone timely annual inspections, the involved party will bear full or primary responsibility, and the insurance company will not assume any liability.
I remember buying my first car ten years ago, when the annual inspection regulations were quite simple. New cars didn't need to undergo on-site inspections for the first six years, but I had to collect an electronic inspection label every two years. I always handled this through the Traffic Management 12123 App, which was very convenient. After six years, the car had to be inspected annually. My old car is now ten years old and still requires an annual inspection. During this period, the frequency changes haven't been significant—safety always comes first. I recommend that beginners keep track of the timing and not delay until the deadline passes. Otherwise, you could face fines if caught driving with an expired inspection, and it might even affect insurance claims. It's best to develop a habit of setting reminders in the App or placing a mark on the dashboard. Regular inspections help identify minor issues like brake or lighting problems early, preventing bigger troubles down the road. In short, the frequency of annual inspections isn't fixed—it should be adjusted based on the car's age.
Let's talk about the frequency of vehicle inspections. Personally, I think it should be approached from a practical perspective. The exemption from on-site inspections for new cars in the first six years has saved me a lot of hassle, but don't forget to collect the inspection sticker every two years. After that, inspections become annual for the next six years. It's best to prepare a few weeks in advance, such as visiting a nearby authorized inspection station to avoid peak hours. Before the inspection, check things like lights and tire wear yourself—this small habit can prevent inspection failures. I've seen people get held up because of a non-functioning taillight, wasting time and spending unnecessary money. For older cars over ten years, annual inspections are required—don't complain, as it's the baseline for ensuring road safety. Remember, delaying it may lead to late fees or even penalty points, so it's better to handle it early. The inspection fee isn't high either, usually costing just a couple hundred yuan.
