
According to regulations, private cars with 7 seats or fewer are subject to a six-year exemption from inspection. Therefore, a 2017 car is still within this six-year exemption policy, but it is required to obtain the annual inspection and environmental protection labels every two years. The annual inspection of a car refers to the annual testing of the vehicle's safety performance, including comprehensive checks on the braking system, ignition system, lighting system, and other aspects. Below are the new regulations for vehicle inspections in 2021: 1. Exemption scope: The exemption scope for motor vehicles has been expanded from the original 6 years and under for vehicles with 6 seats or fewer to include non-operational small and micro passenger vehicles with 7-9 seats. 2. Inspection cycle: Vehicles under the exemption policy can skip on-site inspections for the first 6 years, only requiring the completion of formalities every two years. From 6 to 10 years, an annual inspection is required. The new regulations state that the inspection cycle for private cars remains unchanged for the first 6 years, while vehicles aged 6-10 years will change from an annual inspection to a biennial inspection. This means exempted vehicles will undergo biennial inspections within 10 years, but only the 6th and 8th years require on-site inspections.

I know this well because we have an old car at home, 17 years old. The official regulations are clear: vehicles over 15 years old must undergo inspection every six months. I take it to the testing station twice a year to check the brakes, lights, and exhaust emissions, preventing accidents caused by aging parts. Although the process is a bit tedious, safety comes first. I always make an appointment in advance for weekends when it's less busy, bringing all the necessary documents like the insurance policy and vehicle registration to get it done in one go, saving time. When neighbors ask, this is what I recommend—there's really no need to wait until an accident happens to regret it. Keeping the car well-maintained means it can run for several more years, saving the cost of buying a new one. It's quite cost-effective.

My 2006 car is now exactly 17 years old. I didn't understand the rules before and suffered losses. Last time, the inspection technician told me that vehicles over 15 years old must be inspected every six months. I immediately scheduled a visit to the inspection station, where a minor brake issue was detected. After getting it fixed, I felt much more at ease. Since then, I've developed a habit: making a trip to the inspection station each spring and autumn, booking appointments in advance to avoid queues. I always keep a copy of my driver's license and the old vehicle inspection fee in my toolkit. Developing this routine isn't actually difficult, and it helps extend the car's lifespan while giving me more peace of mind on the road—it's like taking care of an old companion.

Vehicle safety must be taken seriously, especially for older cars. According to regulations, a 17-year-old vehicle requires inspection every six months to avoid potential hazards like lighting failures or brake malfunctions. I always remind my friends not to cut corners—older car parts wear out faster, and regular inspections can prevent traffic accidents. Remember to choose an authorized inspection station where checks include exhaust emissions and chassis conditions, ensuring peace of mind while driving. Regular maintenance extends a vehicle's lifespan, and safety is the foundation of everything—don't risk major consequences for minor savings.


