How Often Should a Family Car Undergo Annual Inspection?
3 Answers
Family cars require an annual inspection every 6 years, while vehicles older than 6 years must undergo inspection once every year. For cars older than 15 years, inspections are required twice a year. Generally, the annual inspection is conducted at monitoring stations designated by the vehicle management authorities. You can have your car inspected within the three months prior to the due date, which corresponds to the vehicle's registration date. When going for the inspection, you need to bring your ID card, vehicle license, and a valid compulsory traffic insurance policy. Additionally, the car must be equipped with a fire extinguisher and an emergency parking sign. The vehicle inspection consists of two parts: the first part involves a technical condition check of the vehicle, including its appearance, lights, exhaust emissions, brakes, etc.; the second part is applying for the annual inspection sticker, which serves as proof that the vehicle has passed the inspection. This sticker is the one placed on the front windshield.
I've been driving a family car for almost ten years, so I'm quite familiar with this inspection cycle. For the first six years after buying a new car, it's exempt from on-site testing, but you need to apply for an inspection compliance sticker every two years – just go to the traffic police station or handle it online, it's very simple. After six years, you have to go to the inspection station for an on-site check every two years, testing items like lights, brakes, and emissions. After ten years, it becomes an annual inspection. If the car is over fifteen years old, the inspection frequency increases to every six months to prevent aging issues. My own car passed last year after some preventive maintenance. It's important to keep track of the dates to avoid fines – safety first. Remembering this rule can save a lot of hassle, and new car owners should set a calendar reminder. Policies may vary slightly by region, so it's best to check local traffic management announcements.
As a car enthusiast, I have a good understanding of annual vehicle inspections. For small family passenger vehicles, they are exempt from on-site testing within the first six years after registration, requiring only the collection of an inspection decal every two years—this is commonly referred to as the biennial inspection. After six years, the vehicle must undergo on-site testing every two years, where key components like the chassis and brakes are checked. After ten years, inspections become annual, and after fifteen years, they switch to semi-annual checks. I think this system is reasonable because older car parts are more prone to failure, and frequent inspections help identify issues early to prevent accidents. Before the inspection, performing a major service—such as changing the oil and checking the brakes—can improve the pass rate. Don’t wait until the last minute to go, as inspection stations get extremely crowded during peak times. Nowadays, some places offer online appointment booking, which is super convenient. In short, inspection frequency changes with the vehicle’s age, so it’s best to stay on top of your car’s condition.
