How often should a small car undergo annual inspection?
3 Answers
Small cars require inspection every two years. Below are the specific regulations for vehicle annual inspections: 1. Operational passenger vehicles: Inspection once a year within 5 years; beyond 5 years, inspection every 6 months. 2. Trucks and large or medium-sized non-operational passenger vehicles: Inspection once a year within 10 years; beyond 10 years, inspection every 6 months. 3. Small and mini non-operational passenger vehicles: Inspection once every 2 years within 6 years; beyond 6 years, inspection once a year; beyond 15 years, inspection every 6 months. 4. Exemption policy: Family cars with 6 seats or fewer enjoy a 6-year exemption from inspection. The prerequisite for the 6-year exemption is that no major traffic accidents occur during this period. If an accident occurs, an on-site inspection is mandatory. Vehicles with 7 seats or more do not qualify for the 6-year exemption policy and still require inspection every 2 years for the first 6 years.
I've been driving for over 20 years, and the frequency of vehicle inspections changes based on the car's age. For the first 6 years after buying a new car, it's quite hassle-free—you only need to apply for an inspection sticker every two years through the traffic management app or website, without having to queue at the inspection station. When the car reaches 6 to 10 years old, you must take it to the inspection station for an on-site check every two years, where they test things like brakes, exhaust emissions, and lighting systems to ensure there are no aging issues. For cars older than 10 years, which tend to have more faults, the rule changes to an annual inspection. If the car is over 15 years old, inspections are required every six months—this higher frequency is for safety. Actually, keeping up with inspections has many benefits: not only does it comply with regulations, but it also helps detect hidden faults early. Regular maintenance, like changing the oil and checking tire wear, makes it easier to pass inspections on the first try, saving time and money while ensuring safe travels for the whole family.
I just bought a car two years ago, and the annual inspection rules for small vehicles are simple to learn: the first 6 years are the new car period, just get a label every two years on the traffic management 12123 App on your phone, no need for offline inspection. After 6 years, you have to drive to the testing station for an actual test every two years, including brake and exhaust tests. For cars over 10 years old, a comprehensive inspection is required every year, and for cars over 15 years old, inspections must be done every six months. When I first heard about this, I was a bit confused, but after actually going through the process, I found it very convenient—now many places offer online appointments, just pick a free slot and get it done in half an hour. I recommend everyone develop the habit of timely annual inspections, don’t delay until you face overdue fines, and more importantly, ensure that key components like lights and brakes are functioning properly, making driving safer, especially in rainy weather when visibility is poor.
