How often should a new motorcycle undergo annual inspection?
3 Answers
New motorcycles are exempt from inspection for the first six years, with no need for testing or fees. However, every two years, owners must complete an online review via the Traffic Management 12123 platform or visit a nearby traffic police station for verification, primarily to confirm the annual purchase of insurance. After six years, motorcycles must undergo an inspection every two years. Motorcycle inspection includes: 1. Basic setup: Check whether the engine, chassis, body, and auxiliary equipment are clean, complete, and functional, whether the paint is uniform and aesthetically pleasing, whether major assemblies have been replaced, and whether they match the initial inspection records. 2. Safe operation: Verify whether the vehicle's braking, steering, lights, exhaust, and other safety features comply with the "Technical Requirements for Safe Operation of Motor Vehicles." 3. Vehicle modifications: Check whether the vehicle has been modified, altered, or reconstructed, whether the driving license, license plate, and vehicle registration records match the actual condition, and whether any changes have undergone approval and modification procedures. 4. License plate condition: Inspect the license plate, driving license, and enlarged license plate markings on the vehicle for damage, alterations, or unclear handwriting, and determine if replacement is necessary.
I bought a motorcycle last year and only learned about the annual inspection rules after checking with the vehicle management office. New vehicles don’t need an inspection within the first two years after registration, but you still have to collect an exemption decal. By the fourth year, you’ll need to visit again, but this time it still doesn’t require an on-site inspection. However, starting from the sixth year, things get troublesome—you’ll have to ride your bike to the inspection station and queue up for an annual check. Remember to settle any traffic violations in advance and ensure your insurance is still valid. I once made a wasted trip because I forgot my ID card, so it’s best to prepare your vehicle license and compulsory traffic insurance policy. Older bikes over ten years face stricter rules—some places even require inspections every six months.
As a veteran motorcyclist with eight years of riding experience, I'm quite familiar with the annual inspection process. The first four years are hassle-free, requiring only a label pickup at the service window in the second and fourth years. However, starting from the sixth year, you'll need to visit the inspection station annually, with each visit consuming half a day in queues. I remember once being held up because my loose rearview mirror went unnoticed. My advice: check your lights, brakes, and tires beforehand, and it's best to remove any aftermarket parts and restore to stock. The cost is around a hundred yuan, but the real cost is your time – weekends are particularly crowded. Late inspections incur a 200-yuan fine plus penalty points, so it's better to get it done early for peace of mind.
