How often should small cars be inspected in 2021?
3 Answers
Non-operational small cars are exempt from annual inspections for the first 6 years, but proof must be submitted to the vehicle management office every 2 years. After 6 years, an annual inspection is required. Exemption periods for other vehicle types: Operational passenger vehicles require an annual inspection; large freight vehicles under 10 years old need an annual inspection, while those over 10 years old require a semi-annual inspection; operational passenger vehicles over 15 years old need an annual inspection. Materials required for small car inspection: "Motor Vehicle Inspection Label Application Form," vehicle registration certificate, compulsory traffic insurance certificate, vehicle and vessel tax payment or exemption proof, and the owner's ID card. If someone else handles the process on behalf of the owner, the representative must bring their own ID card.
I just bought a 2021 model car, and it's been almost three years since I started driving it. The annual inspection rules are quite interesting. I remember that new cars don’t need to go to the inspection station for an on-site check in the first six years, but you have to apply for the inspection mark every two years. For example, if you bought a car in 2021, you should apply for it in 2023, and the next time will be in 2025. You can just use a mobile app like Traffic Management 12123 to handle it, which saves a lot of time. Some people think that 'exemption from inspection' means they don’t need to do anything, but they end up being fined for missing the application. So I remind myself to handle it on time. After the car is over six years old, for example, by 2027, you’ll need to go to the inspection station every two years for a safety performance check, which helps avoid potential hazards. Don’t forget, the older the car, the more frequent the inspections. Keeping up with the annual inspections ensures you don’t run into trouble on the road.
My 2021 car has been driven for a few years, and the annual inspection frequency is much more relaxed compared to older vehicles. According to regulations, new cars are exempt from on-site inspections for the first 6 years, but a biennial inspection sticker application is required. For example, my car registered in 2021 only required a simple procedure at the DMV in 2023, which could even be completed online—the next one won’t be due until 2025. The whole process saves a lot of legwork, and the app makes it a matter of minutes. Some people forget to apply, leading to an invalid inspection sticker, which isn’t worth the fines or penalty points. After 6 years, the car enters a phase requiring biennial on-site inspections, with stricter checks on lights, brakes, etc.—safety first. I recommend regular maintenance of tires and brake pads to extend the intervals between inspections.
