How often should a family car's vehicle license be inspected?
2 Answers
According to the relevant regulations on motor vehicle annual inspections, small and micro non-operating passenger vehicles are inspected every 6 years; after exceeding 6 years, they are inspected annually; after exceeding 15 years, they are inspected every six months. Since family cars fall under the category of non-operating passenger vehicles, their inspection cycle is every 6 years. During this period, you only need to apply for the annual inspection sticker every two years at the vehicle management office or online. It is only in the 6th year that an on-site inspection is required. Below is supplementary information on the documents required for car annual inspections: 1. "Motor Vehicle Inspection Sticker Application Form" (this does not need to be brought along as it is provided on-site for direct completion). 2. Motor vehicle license. 3. Compulsory traffic insurance certificate. 4. Vehicle and vessel tax payment or tax exemption certificate, which is usually purchased together with compulsory traffic insurance and can be found in the compulsory insurance policy. 5. Owner's ID card; if someone else handles it on behalf of the owner, the representative must bring their own ID card.
I've been driving for almost ten years, and I remember the annual inspection cycle for private vehicles is quite clear: new cars enjoy exemption from on-site inspection for the first 6 years, but don't forget to apply for the inspection sticker online every 2 years. After 6 years, you'll need to go to the vehicle management office for a comprehensive annual inspection, checking things like brakes and lights. Once I almost missed the deadline, but luckily I had a phone calendar reminder—getting fined 200 yuan would've been the least of my worries; disrupting travel plans would've been the real hassle. Annual inspections not only keep you compliant with regulations but also help identify potential hazards like worn tires or brake issues—fixing them early brings peace of mind. Safe driving is fundamental, so this isn't something to take lightly. I recommend checking the dates early each year and booking an inspection station appointment in advance. Once it becomes a habit, driving becomes much more worry-free.
