How often should a new 5-seater car undergo inspection?
2 Answers
For family-use small passenger vehicles, new cars require an inspection every 6 years, and you only need to collect the inspection certificate from the vehicle management office every 2 years. After 6 years up to 15 years, it's once a year. After 15 years, it's every 6 months. For commercial passenger vehicles, inspections are required once a year within the first 5 years; after 5 years, every 6 months. Vehicle inspection, commonly referred to as car inspection, is stipulated in the "Road Traffic Safety Law Implementation Regulations": Article 16: Motor vehicles shall undergo safety technical inspections according to the following periods from the date of registration: 1. Commercial passenger vehicles: once a year within the first 5 years; after 5 years, every 6 months; 2. Trucks and large/medium non-commercial passenger vehicles: once a year within the first 10 years; after 10 years, every 6 months; 3. Small and mini non-commercial passenger vehicles: once every 2 years within the first 6 years; after 6 years, once a year; after 15 years, every 6 months; 4. Motorcycles: once every 2 years within the first 4 years; after 4 years, once a year; 5. Tractors and other motor vehicles: once a year. Commercial motor vehicles that pass the safety technical inspection within the stipulated period do not need to repeat the inspection. 6. Vehicles beyond the scrapping age cannot be transferred (sold or bought), but can continue to be used; for transactions, you can first apply for the vehicle's scrapping certificate (to deregister its records) at the vehicle management office, then proceed with the transaction.
When I first bought my new 5-seater SUV, I was super excited but a bit confused about the annual inspection. After checking the policy, I learned that new vehicles don’t need an on-site inspection for the first 6 years after registration—just apply for the inspection compliance label every 2 years at the DMV or online, which is quite hassle-free. For me, the first label was due in the third year after initial registration. However, starting from the 6th year, an official annual on-site inspection is required. As an owner, it’s important to remind yourself not to miss the deadlines—setting a reminder on a mobile app works well. Regular maintenance like checking tires and brakes not only ensures a smooth inspection but also extends the car’s lifespan. Enjoy the new car phase, go on more road trips, and don’t let paperwork ruin the fun.
