How Often Should a New Car Undergo Annual Inspection?
4 Answers
Annual inspection time requirements: Small and micro non-operational passenger vehicles are exempt from inspection for the first 6 years. For vehicles over 6 years but under 10 years, inspection is required every two years; for vehicles over 10 years but under 15 years, annual inspection is required; for vehicles over 15 years, inspection is required every 6 months. Operational passenger vehicles require annual inspection within the first 5 years; for vehicles over 5 years, inspection is required every 6 months. Trucks and large or medium-sized non-operational passenger vehicles require annual inspection within the first 10 years; for vehicles over 10 years, inspection is required every 6 months. Imported vehicles follow the same rules as other vehicle types and can undergo periodic inspection at any testing facility. Notes for annual inspection: Vehicles that fail the annual inspection must be repaired within a specified time limit. If they still fail after the deadline, the vehicle management office should confiscate their license plates and prohibit further driving. Vehicles that do not undergo annual inspection without reason or fail the inspection are not allowed to drive on the road or transfer ownership. Vehicles that meet the scrapping conditions or exceed the prescribed service life will not be inspected, and their license plates will be revoked, records deleted, and the vehicles scrapped.
Getting your new car inspected is actually quite simple these days, as policies have been relaxed for private vehicles. My car just turned three years old, and I specifically checked the regulations: for the first six years, new cars don't need to go through an on-site inspection at all, but you must apply for the exemption mark via the traffic management app 12123 in the second and fourth years. Starting from the sixth year, you'll need to go for an on-site inspection, and then annually after that. A special reminder for those buying used cars: don't just take the previous owner's word that 'it was just inspected'—the clock resets after the transfer. I've seen people fined 200 yuan for forgetting to claim their electronic exemption mark, so setting a reminder on your phone is really helpful. If you drive without a valid inspection and get into an accident, insurance won't cover it. Regular maintenance of key components like brake lights can also make the inspection process smoother.
For friends driving new cars, the first six years are particularly hassle-free as you don't need to go through the inspection line. However, remember to complete the exemption procedure in the second and fourth years - it only takes two minutes on the mobile app. If your car is over six years old, you'll need to visit the inspection station annually. Note that 7-seater vehicles don't qualify for this benefit and must undergo biennial inspections. During my last annual inspection, I saw a young driver whose tire treads were completely worn out - they were required to replace them on the spot to pass. I recommend checking wear-prone components like lights and brake pads during regular maintenance to avoid inspection failures and repeat visits. Getting caught with an expired inspection will cost you 3 demerit points and a 200 yuan fine - definitely not worth it.
The interval for new vehicle annual inspections depends on the vehicle's age and seating capacity. For regular five-seat cars, only an electronic label is required every two years for the first six years, with no need to visit the inspection station. However, an on-site inspection is mandatory in the sixth year, followed by annual inspections thereafter. Seven-seat vehicles are more complicated, exempt from inspection for the first two years but requiring an on-site inspection in the third year. During my last inspection, I encountered a car with a modified exhaust system that was extremely loud, and the staff immediately instructed the owner to restore it to its original condition. Fellow car owners, please note three key points: avoid modifying safety-critical components, settle any traffic violations in advance, and ensure you have your vehicle license and compulsory insurance policy ready. It's advisable to visit the inspection station on weekdays to avoid the end-of-month rush.
