How Often Should a Used Car Undergo Annual Inspection?
2 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.
