How often should a car undergo annual inspection?
2 Answers
For vehicles within 6 years, an annual inspection is required every 2 years. For vehicles over 6 years, an annual inspection is required every year. For vehicles over 15 years, an inspection is required every 6 months. Additional information: According to Article 16 of the "Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law," effective from July 1, 2018, motor vehicles must undergo safety technical inspections within the following periods from the date of registration: Passenger vehicles for commercial use: Within 5 years, an annual inspection is required every year; after 5 years, an inspection is required every 6 months. Trucks and large and medium-sized non-commercial vehicles: Within 10 years, an annual inspection is required every year; after 10 years, an inspection is required every 6 months. Small and mini non-commercial passenger vehicles: Within 6 years, an annual inspection is required every 2 years; after 6 years, an annual inspection is required every year; after 15 years, an inspection is required every 6 months. Motorcycles: Within 4 years, an annual inspection is required every 2 years; after 4 years, an annual inspection is required every year.
The frequency of vehicle annual inspections mainly depends on the age of the car. Having driven for over ten years, I’m quite familiar with this rule. For new cars within the first six years, it’s the most hassle-free—just apply for the compliance label every two years without taking the car to an inspection station; it can all be done with a few taps on the Traffic Management 12123 App. For cars aged between six and ten years, a full inspection at the station is required every two years. Once a car exceeds ten years, it must be inspected annually; for older cars over fifteen years, bi-annual inspections are necessary for safety. This design is quite reasonable—components like lights and brakes wear out faster with prolonged use, and without timely checks, they might fail unexpectedly on the road. I recommend noting the inspection dates and setting phone reminders, as overdue inspections can result in a 200-yuan fine and a 3-point deduction on your license, not to mention impacts on insurance claims. Regular checks on bulbs and tires during routine maintenance can save hundreds in inspection fees, but peace of mind on the road is what matters most.
