How Often Should Small Passenger Vehicles Undergo Inspection?

[GemmaLee]

Small passenger vehicles are exempt from inspection for the first six years; after six years, they must be inspected once a year; after 15 years, they must be inspected every six months. Key points to note during vehicle annual inspection: 1. Check whether the engine, chassis, body, and attached equipment are clean, complete, and functional, whether the paint is uniform and aesthetically pleasing, whether major assemblies have been replaced, and whether they match the initial inspection records. 2. Verify whether the vehicle's braking performance, steering control, lighting, exhaust, and other safety features comply with the technical requirements for safe vehicle operation. 3. Check whether the vehicle has been modified, altered, or reconstructed, and whether the registration details in the vehicle license, license plate, and vehicle records match the current condition of the vehicle, including any changes, and whether approval and modification procedures have been completed. 4. Inspect whether the license plate, vehicle license, and enlarged license plate markings on the vehicle are damaged, altered, or illegible, and whether they need replacement.

[AaronRose]

I drive a five-year-old sedan, and just went through the annual inspection last year. The inspection cycle for small passenger vehicles is phased: new cars don’t require on-site testing for the first six years, but you must apply for an inspection decal every two years via the ‘Traffic Management 12123’ app. By the sixth year, the first on-site inspection is required, followed by inspections every two years at the 8th and 10th years. For vehicles over ten years old, inspections become annual, and those over fifteen years old require even more frequent checks—every six months. However, if you’ve modified your headlights or body kit, or been in a major accident, this policy no longer applies. My neighbor was three months overdue last time and got hit with a 200-yuan fine plus penalty points—definitely not worth it.

[SanGriffin]

Over the years working in auto repair shops, I've seen many car owners confused about annual inspection schedules. For small passenger vehicles, the inspection is divided into four stages: new cars are exempt from inspection for the first 6 years, but must apply for the inspection mark online every 2 years; between 6 to 10 years, they need an on-site inspection every 2 years—remember, it's at the 6th, 8th, and 10-year marks; from 10 to 15 years, an annual on-site inspection is required; and beyond 15 years, inspections are needed every 6 months. Additionally, if your vehicle is for commercial use or has had engine modifications, the inspection cycle will be shorter. Before the inspection, check for any unresolved traffic violations and ensure the brake lights are working, as these are common issues that can delay the process. Booking an appointment early can save you from long queues.

[JulietLee]

My dad's 12-year-old Passat had to undergo two annual inspections last year, and now the inspection rules are indeed much clearer. For new cars, within the first six years, you only need to collect an electronic label every two years without driving to the inspection station. After six years, the vehicle must undergo an actual inspection every two years until the tenth year. Once past the ten-year mark, it becomes an annual inspection. For cars like my dad's that are over 15 years old, inspections are required every six months. However, special attention is needed: if your car has been involved in an accident causing injuries or fatalities, or if it has been penalized by traffic police for illegal modifications, even if it's only three years old, it must undergo annual inspections. During regular maintenance, ask the mechanic to check the vehicle's condition to reduce inspection hassles.