How often is the annual vehicle inspection required?
4 Answers
Different types of vehicles have different regulations for annual inspection frequency. The regulations for vehicle annual inspection are as follows: Non-commercial vehicles: Non-commercial passenger cars require inspection once every 2 years within the first 6 years; after 6 years, once every year; after 15 years, twice every year. Regarding the exemption for new vehicles within 6 years, many people mistakenly think the vehicle doesn't need annual inspection at all - you still need to go every two years, just without the on-site inspection, only to obtain the environmental protection label. Commercial vehicles: Commercial passenger vehicles require inspection once every year within the first 5 years; after 5 years, once every 6 months. Important notes: The annual inspection must be completed within the specified timeframe. You can conduct the inspection 3 months in advance or delay it by 1 month. If delayed by 2 months, the driver will be fined with 3 penalty points. Delaying for one year will result in deduction of all 12 points.
I've been driving for over twenty years, and the annual vehicle inspection process has changed quite a bit. I remember in the past, new cars had to undergo on-site inspection in their first year. Now the policy has been relaxed—new cars are exempt from on-site inspection for the first six years, but you still need to visit the vehicle management office every two years to get an inspection sticker. The procedure is simple and usually doesn’t require queuing. Between 6 to 10 years, the car must undergo on-site inspection every two years, mainly checking emissions, lights, and the braking system. The cost is low, just around 100 to 200 yuan, and it can easily be done over a weekend. For cars older than 10 years, annual on-site inspections are required—a bit more hassle but mandatory. For vehicles over 15 years old, inspections become stricter, required every six months to prevent accidents due to aging. Regular maintenance is crucial—checking tires and engine oil before inspection increases the chances of passing in one go. I advise everyone not to delay, as late inspections can lead to fines and penalty points, which just isn’t worth it. Safety should always come first.
I just bought my car two years ago and didn’t know how to handle the annual inspection at first. I asked a friend and learned that new cars don’t need an on-site inspection for the first 6 years, but you have to go to the DMV every two years to get a sticker—you can also do it online. After 6 years, when the car gets older, it needs an on-site inspection every two years, checking emissions and brakes. I heard that cars over 10 years old require an annual inspection, and those over 15 years old need one every six months—sounds a bit scary. It’s mainly for vehicle safety and environmental protection, with strict government regulations to prevent malfunctions. Now, I plan my schedule and book an inspection station in advance, choosing a less busy day to avoid long queues. The cost isn’t high, just over a hundred bucks. Missing the deadline and getting fined or losing points would be a nightmare.
As a parent, my car's annual inspection is a big deal. New cars are exempt from inspection for the first 6 years but still need to get the inspection sticker. From 6 to 10 years, they require an on-site inspection every two years, checking brakes, lights, and accident prevention. After 10 years, it's an annual inspection, and for cars over 15 years old, it's every six months. Safety is the top priority, especially since my child rides to school every day—car failure would be too dangerous. Going to the inspection station on time each year takes just one or two hours and costs little. Checking tire pressure and brakes in advance ensures a smooth inspection process. Don't skimp on small expenses that could lead to big risks.
