How often should a 7-year-old vehicle undergo annual inspection?
2 Answers
A 7-year-old vehicle requires inspection every two years, while vehicles over 10 years old need annual inspections. For passenger cars, the first inspection should be conducted when the vehicle reaches six years of age. Non-commercial small and mini passenger vehicles, including family cars older than 6 years but less than 10 years, must undergo inspection every two years. For a vehicle exactly six years old, the owner must drive it to the inspection station with their ID card, vehicle license, vehicle and vessel tax or tax exemption certificate, and compulsory traffic insurance policy for inspection. Upon passing the inspection, a certificate will be issued, which, along with the other documents, should be presented at the relevant window to obtain the annual inspection sticker. Annual inspection considerations: During the inspection, the vehicle management office will check the vehicle's lights. If the lights are found to be either too dim or too bright, the vehicle will fail the inspection. If the lights are too dim, check the wiring and bulbs for aging and replace them if necessary. If xenon headlights have been installed, it is recommended to revert to the original headlights before the inspection to ensure passing the test.
I just dealt with the annual inspection for my 7-year-old car last year. I was quite confused at the time, but the policy has indeed become much more relaxed now. According to the regulations, private cars aged between 6 to 10 years only need to undergo on-site inspections in their 6th and 10th years. So, a 7-year-old car doesn't require queuing up at the inspection station at all—just apply for the electronic inspection mark on the 12123 APP. However, you must ensure that the 6th-year inspection has already been completed. Regular maintenance is still essential, especially for lights and brakes, as safety is the top priority. My neighbor Uncle Zhang's car is over 7 years old, and this year he only spent five minutes handling it on his phone.
