How Often Should a New Car Be Inspected?

[VanNora]

New car annual inspections are divided into two scenarios: one qualifies for a 6-year exemption, while the other requires on-site testing. Relevant details are as follows: 1. On-site testing: The 6-year exemption does not mean complete exemption in the true sense, but rather exempts the on-site testing (i.e., vehicle inspection) process. However, it is still necessary to apply for an annual inspection compliance sticker every two years, which can be done online. It's important to understand this distinction clearly—it's equivalent to enjoying two exemptions from on-site testing, but the sixth year still requires on-site annual inspection and application for the compliance sticker. 2. Exemption: Annual inspection consists of two parts. The first part involves going to an inspection station for vehicle checks (lights, tires, emissions, etc.), while the second part is essentially receiving the annual inspection sticker, with the prerequisite being passing the first part. In this sense, the exemption simply skips the first part and goes directly to the second part.

[JamesonRose]

I bought a new car last year and specifically consulted a friend at the 4S dealership. New cars don't require on-site inspections within the first six years, but you must collect the inspection compliance sticker every two years. The first sticker is collected in the second year, another in the fourth year, and by the sixth year, you'll need to drive the car to the inspection station. For example, if you bought a car in 2025, remember to apply via the Traffic Management 12123 APP in 2027 with just a few clicks—no need to even drive the car there. The sixth-year on-site inspection will check emissions, brakes, etc., so it's advisable to check your lights and tire pressure beforehand to avoid a wasted trip. If you miss the deadline, you could face point deductions and fines if caught on the road—my neighbor learned this the hard way. In short, the first six years with a new car are hassle-free, but it's crucial to keep track of the deadlines.

[BeauLee]

A veteran driver with thirty years of experience tells you that the new policy is indeed convenient. New vehicles are exempt from on-site inspections for the first six years, but you must obtain a paper or electronic inspection mark every two years, as clearly indicated on the supplementary page of the driving license. The specific process is straightforward: In the second year, bring your ID card and driving license to the vehicle management office, and it takes just ten minutes to complete; in the fourth year, apply directly via a mobile app; in the sixth year, an on-site inspection is mandatory, after which inspections become biennial. My son-in-law's new car just turned two this year, and last week I helped him apply for the electronic mark on the 12123 app—it took only three minutes to receive it. However, be aware that if you've modified the headlights or exhaust pipe, the annual inspection might be problematic, so it's best to restore the factory settings.

[HopeLee]

When buying a new family car mainly for transporting children, I specifically researched the vehicle inspection cycle. Current regulations state that non-commercial vehicles with seven seats or fewer are exempt from on-site inspections for the first six years, but inspection compliance stickers must be obtained in the second and fourth years. Starting from the sixth year, annual on-site inspections are required. The entire process of obtaining the sticker can be completed via smartphone by uploading the compulsory traffic insurance certificate on the Traffic Management 12123 app. Failure to obtain the sticker on time may result in fines and penalty points, and if the vehicle goes un-inspected for three consecutive cycles, it will be mandatorily scrapped. It's recommended to handle the procedure in the registration month—for example, if the car was purchased in May, checking its status every May would be more reliable.