How often should a vehicle undergo inspection?
2 Answers
For small passenger vehicles, inspection is required once every 2 years within the first 6 years; once every year after exceeding 6 years; and once every 6 months after exceeding 15 years. According to Article 16 of the "Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China", motor vehicles must undergo safety technical inspections at the following intervals from the date of registration: 1. For commercial passenger vehicles, inspection is required once every year within the first 5 years, and once every 6 months after exceeding 5 years; 2. For trucks and large or medium-sized non-commercial passenger vehicles, inspection is required once every year within the first 10 years, and once every 6 months after exceeding 10 years; 3. For small and mini non-commercial passenger vehicles, inspection is required once every 2 years within the first 6 years, once every year after exceeding 6 years, and once every 6 months after exceeding 15 years; 4. For motorcycles, inspection is required once every 2 years within the first 4 years, and once every year after exceeding 4 years; 5. For tractors and other motor vehicles, inspection is required once every year.
I’ve been driving for over a decade and have deep experience with new car inspections. First, remember that vehicles under 6 years old don’t require an annual on-site inspection—just apply for the inspection sticker via a mobile app every 2 years. It’s very convenient and saves time and effort. However, starting from the 6th year, an on-site inspection is mandatory, covering key items like brakes, lights, and exhaust emissions. From years 6 to 10, inspections are required every 2 years at a testing site; after 10 years, it becomes an annual requirement. Older cars tend to have more issues, such as engine wear or wiring aging, and skipping inspections could lead to major accidents. I advise owners to stay on schedule and avoid delays to prevent fines or insurance complications. As a tip, always bring your vehicle registration and insurance documents to the inspection to avoid wasting time in line.
