How often should a new private car be inspected?
3 Answers
New private cars are exempt from inspection within the first 6 years; those over 6 years old require annual inspection; and vehicles exceeding 15 years must be inspected every 6 months. According to relevant regulations on motor vehicle annual inspections, small and micro non-commercial passenger vehicles only need to apply for an annual inspection decal at the vehicle management office every two years during the first 6 years, with mandatory on-site testing required only at the 6-year mark. Vehicle annual inspection refers to mandatory testing for all vehicles that have obtained official license plates and registration certificates, essentially serving as an annual physical examination for vehicles based on the technical safety requirements for motor vehicle operation. Regular vehicle inspections help promptly eliminate potential safety hazards, encourage proper vehicle maintenance, and reduce the occurrence of traffic accidents.
I recently bought a new sedan and have done a lot of research on the annual inspection policies. According to current regulations in China, private passenger vehicles are exempt from on-site inspections for the first 6 years after registration. However, owners must apply for the inspection exemption label every 2 years via the Traffic Management 12123 app or at the vehicle management office online. This means if you bought a car in 2024, you’ll need to complete this process in 2026, ensuring the vehicle hasn’t been involved in any major accidents or undergone illegal modifications. After 6 years, the regular inspection cycle begins: vehicles aged 6 to 10 years require biennial on-site inspections, those aged 10 to 15 years need annual inspections, and vehicles over 15 years old must be inspected every six months. These policies aim to ensure road safety while minimizing inconvenience for car owners. I recommend new car owners regularly check their lights and brakes to avoid issues during the application process.
I've been driving for almost 20 years and have purchased several new cars. The annual inspection for new cars is particularly simple: for the first 6 years, you don't need to queue up at the inspection station, just handle the exemption inspection mark online every 2 years. Specifically, you need to ensure your vehicle records are clean, with no traffic violations or modifications. After 6 years, it becomes more frequent, like my old car now requires an annual inspection. The key point is, the new car period saves you hassle and money, but don't get too carried away with joy and neglect maintenance. Annual inspections aren't just about complying with policies; they're about preventing accidents and protecting yourself and your family. I recommend that beginners don't leave it to the last minute to avoid fines.
