How Often Should a Used Car Undergo Annual Inspection?
4 Answers
Used cars over six years old require an annual inspection. New vehicles are exempt from inspection for the first six years. Below is relevant information about vehicle inspections: 1. Reason for inspection: Car owners are certainly aware that vehicles must undergo annual inspections, primarily to ensure driving safety. Most drivers comply with regulations by getting their inspections done. 2. Relevant legal provisions: According to Article 16 of the "Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law," motor vehicles must undergo safety technical inspections at the following intervals from the date of registration: (1) Passenger vehicles for commercial use must be inspected once a year within the first five years; after five years, once every six months; (2) Trucks and large or medium-sized non-commercial passenger vehicles must be inspected once a year within the first ten years; after ten years, once every six months; (3) Small and mini non-commercial passenger vehicles must be inspected once every two years within the first six years; after six years, once a year; after fifteen years, once every six months.
I've been driving for over 20 years and bought quite a few used cars. The frequency of annual inspections actually depends entirely on when the car was first registered. For new cars, it's every 2 years for the first 6 years, which is quite convenient; from 6 to 10 years old, it's once a year; and for cars over 10 years old, inspections are required every 6 months. My car last year was already 12 years old, so I had to keep making trips to the DMV, which was a bit annoying but worth it to ensure safety by checking brakes, lights, and other components. When buying a used car, don't just go for the cheapest option—check the registration date carefully and calculate the inspection schedule. Some local policies might have minor variations, like stricter rules in big cities, so it's advisable to check the local DMV website or app. Regular maintenance can reduce the hassle of inspections and extend your car's lifespan.
When I first bought a used car and hit the road, I wasn’t sure how to handle the annual inspection either. Thankfully, I asked a few friends and figured it out. The key is that the vehicle’s age determines the frequency: for new cars, inspections are required every two years within the first 6 years; from 6 to 10 years, it’s an annual inspection; and after 10 years, it’s every six months. For used cars, as long as the registration info hasn’t changed, the inspection schedule follows the original vehicle age. I recommend checking the vehicle registration certificate or an app to confirm the car’s age before buying. My first used car was 8 years old, so it required an annual inspection—don’t forget the deadline! A money- and hassle-saving tip is to set a phone reminder for the inspection date and combine it with regular maintenance. For different vehicle types like SUVs, the rules are likely similar, so don’t hesitate to ask repair shops for clarification.
I also pondered this issue before buying a used car—older vehicles require more frequent inspections. For example, new cars need an inspection every two years for the first 0-6 years; after that, it's once a year; for cars over 10 years old, inspections are required every six months. My neighbor bought a used car last month and went straight for an inspection—it's based on the registration date, no need to overthink it. Just remind yourself to pay attention to the DMV notifications. Getting it inspected early means peace of mind for the road ahead.
