How often should a new car undergo an annual inspection?
3 Answers
New cars require an inspection every 2 years. After 6 years, the inspection becomes an annual requirement. This means that within the first 6 years of owning a new car, you only need to have the exhaust emissions tested when not undergoing the annual inspection. For passenger cars and blue-plate minivans, within the first 6 years after registration, an inspection is required every 2 years; after 6 years, it becomes an annual inspection; and after 15 years, it becomes a twice-yearly inspection. For trucks, an annual inspection is required after registration, and after 10 years, it becomes a twice-yearly inspection. For commercial passenger vehicles, within the first 5 years, an annual inspection is required; after 5 years, it becomes a twice-yearly inspection. For trucks and large or medium-sized non-commercial passenger vehicles, within the first 10 years, an annual inspection is required; after 10 years, it becomes a twice-yearly inspection. For small and micro non-commercial passenger vehicles, within the first 6 years, an inspection is required every 2 years; after 6 years, it becomes an annual inspection; and after 15 years, it becomes a twice-yearly inspection. For motorcycles, within the first 4 years, an inspection is required every 2 years; after 4 years, it becomes an annual inspection.
I remember when I first bought my car, I wasn't sure how often a new car needed an annual inspection. Later, I asked a friend and learned that for the first 6 years after a new car is registered, it's exempt from on-site testing. You only need to apply for an inspection sticker every 2 years through the Traffic Management 12123 App or offline. This means no queuing up at the inspection line, saving a lot of time. However, after 6 years, it's different—you have to go for an on-site inspection every 2 years. After 10 years, it's required annually, and for cars over 15 years old, inspections are needed every six months. Actually, this arrangement is to ensure the stable quality of new cars—less hassle in the early years and ensuring the safety of older cars later. I've noticed many people overlook small details like regularly checking the vehicle's lights and brakes. You can often check the wear on the brake pads yourself to avoid potential hazards on the road. When changing the inspection sticker, it's best to bring a copy of the vehicle registration and insurance policy. The online process is quite simple.
From my experience, the frequency of annual vehicle inspections for new cars is quite user-friendly. For the first 6 years, physical inspections are exempt, and you only need to apply for the inspection mark online every 2 years, which is equivalent to a free grace period. However, after 6 years, you must have the safety inspected by a professional institution every two years. If the vehicle is over 10 years old, it must be inspected annually, and for vehicles over 15 years old, the inspections become even stricter, requiring semi-annual checks. These rules are designed based on the aging patterns of vehicles, with the initial exemption because new cars are reliable in terms of factory quality. I recommend that car owners never take this lightly. Even with a new car, regularly check tire pressure and oil conditions to avoid sudden breakdowns. Before an inspection, filling up the tank and cleaning the windows can increase the chance of passing on the first try. Developing good habits can significantly reduce maintenance costs.
