How often should a used car undergo annual inspection?

[SanJames]

For used cars older than six years, an annual inspection is required. If calculated from the date of purchase as a new car, and it's still within six years, you only need to obtain the annual inspection sticker every two years. Liability for Accidents: For vehicles that fail to undergo the annual inspection on time, the party involved will bear full or primary responsibility for any traffic accidents caused. The insurance company will not be liable, as the insurance policy specifies that vehicles with expired inspections are among those excluded from coverage. Mandatory Scrapping: According to the 'Regulations on the Mandatory Scrapping Standards for Motor Vehicles,' if a motor vehicle fails to obtain the inspection compliance sticker for three consecutive inspection cycles after the expiration of its inspection validity period, it will be subject to mandatory scrapping.

[OAliyah]

The annual inspection cycle for used cars is actually the same as the rules for new cars. It mainly depends on the car's registration year and usage type. My eight-year-old car requires an annual inspection. Cars within six years receive an exemption sticker every two years without needing an on-site inspection, which is quite convenient. However, cars over ten years old must be inspected annually. For example, my friend’s twelve-year-old car had to visit the inspection station twice last year. Special attention should be paid to vehicles like minivans—even those within six years must undergo an annual on-site inspection. Inspection stations nationwide now allow appointments up to three months in advance, and avoiding the end-of-month peak hours usually means getting it done in about half an hour. As the year-end approaches, remember to check reminders on the "Traffic Management 12123" app to avoid penalties like points deduction and fines for overdue inspections.

[StDavid]

Recently helped a relative purchase a five-year-old used car and specifically researched the vehicle inspection rules. For private cars under six years old like this, you just need to apply for the exemption inspection mark on the traffic management app every two years. However, after six years, it requires an annual on-site inspection for emissions, brakes, lights, etc. Once saw a neighbor's 15-year-old car that needed inspection twice a year, but last year's new policy changed it back to once a year. It's best to handle the inspection within three months before the expiration date marked on the supplementary page of the vehicle license. Remember to bring the compulsory traffic insurance policy and the owner's ID card. If the car body has been modified, you need to file for record in advance, otherwise, it will get stuck at the inspection line.

[BellaDella]

The frequency of annual inspections for used cars boils down to three points: exempt from on-site testing within the first six years (just collect the inspection sticker), annual on-site testing required for vehicles aged 6-10 years, and once every six months after 10 years. Recently, I accompanied a friend to inspect his 9-year-old used car – the headlight adjustment alone took two hours. Note that modified vehicles won’t pass; last time I saw someone fail instantly due to aftermarket HID lights. Inspection fees vary by city – here, it’s 260 RMB for compact cars. Avoid month-end when inspection stations are crowded, and rainy days when brakes are prone to test failures. For older cars, it’s wise to clear fault codes and address catalytic converter issues beforehand.

[StClaire]

Just finished the annual inspection for my used car. This seven-year-old vehicle now requires an annual on-site inspection. It's advisable to settle any traffic violations in advance, as many people end up making a wasted trip to the inspection station only to find out they haven't cleared their records. The inspection process is quite straightforward: for the exterior check, make sure to have a fire extinguisher and reflective vest ready; clean off any rust for the undercarriage inspection; and it's best to drive on the highway for a while before the emissions test. If your headlights aren't bright enough, consider replacing them with standard halogen bulbs beforehand—unlike me last year when I had to remove my LED lights upon request. The inspection report is valid for thirty days, which is ample time to address any issues that require re-inspection.