How often should a sedan undergo annual inspection?
3 Answers
The first annual inspection for a sedan is required when it reaches six years of age. For non-operational small and micro passenger vehicles, including family sedans, those over 6 years but under 10 years old need to undergo inspection every two years. For a vehicle that has just reached six years, the owner must drive the vehicle to the inspection station, bringing along their ID card, vehicle license, vehicle and vessel tax or tax exemption certificate, and compulsory traffic insurance policy. After passing the inspection, a certification form will be issued, and the owner can then take this form along with the other documents to the relevant window to receive the annual inspection sticker. Annual inspection procedure: First, after submitting the inspection application, the vehicle undergoes an online inspection. The vehicle is driven into the automatic inspection area to sequentially check the exhaust emissions, speed, lights, side slip, and chassis to ensure they meet the standards. Only when all items pass can the vehicle proceed. Next is the appearance inspection, verifying the correctness of the vehicle's license plate, type, body color, engine number, VIN code, and frame number. Then, the body appearance is inspected, including details such as the bumper, engine compartment, rearview mirrors, lower mirrors, window glass, paint, engine operation status, and the interior and wheels of the vehicle. Finally, the owner can obtain the inspection report and application form from the inspector. If all inspection items pass, the owner can proceed to pay the inspection fee and receive the vehicle license and inspection label. If any items fail, the owner must repair the vehicle and undergo re-inspection until all items pass before proceeding with the visa procedures. Annual inspection precautions: During the annual inspection, the vehicle management office will check the vehicle's lights. If the lights are found to be too dim or too bright, the vehicle will be deemed unqualified and will not pass the inspection. If the lights are too dim, check the light circuit and bulbs for aging, and replace the relevant parts if necessary. If the vehicle has been modified with xenon headlights, it is recommended to restore the original headlights before the inspection to pass the test.
I just bought a new car last year, and I remember the salesperson told me that for the first 6 years after purchase, the annual inspection is required every 2 years, and then it changes to once a year. As a young professional in my 20s with a fast-paced lifestyle, I often forget. I almost missed the first annual inspection, but luckily, the Traffic Management 12123 App sent me a reminder message. Everyone should remember the years, especially after the sixth year—don’t delay. Otherwise, fines and points are minor issues; the key is that older cars are more prone to brake failures or lighting problems, which affect safety. If you use your car frequently, regular maintenance can also help pass the annual inspection smoothly, saving both money and hassle.
As a stay-at-home mom with two kids, I'm the main driver in our family, using the car for school runs and grocery shopping. The annual inspection rules for sedans are that new cars need inspection every two years for the first six years, and then annually after that. Safety is a top priority for me since I have my kids in the car, and I always worry about potential issues. I make it a habit to book an appointment at the DMV a month in advance and bring maintenance records to avoid rework due to minor issues. For cars older than six years, the inspections are indeed stricter, but on the bright side, it serves as a reminder to ensure the car won't break down on the road, which makes it worthwhile.
