How Often Should Vehicles Be Inspected in 2021?
2 Answers
In 2021, the frequency of vehicle inspections varies depending on the type of vehicle. The inspection intervals can be categorized as follows: passenger vehicles for commercial use must be inspected once a year if they are within 5 years of service, and every 6 months if they exceed 5 years. Trucks and large or medium-sized non-commercial passenger vehicles must be inspected once a year if they are within 10 years of service, and every 6 months if they exceed 10 years. Motorcycles must be inspected every 2 years if they are within 4 years of service, and once a year if they exceed 4 years. Inspection procedure: First, after submitting the inspection application, the vehicle undergoes an on-site inspection. The vehicle is driven into the automatic inspection area to sequentially check whether the exhaust emissions, speed, lights, side slip, and chassis meet the standards. All items must pass to proceed. Next is the appearance inspection, verifying the accuracy of the vehicle's license plate, type, body color, engine number, VIN code, and frame number. Then, the exterior of the vehicle is examined, including details such as the bumper, engine compartment, rearview mirrors, lower mirrors, window glass, paint, engine operation status, and the interior of passenger vehicles and wheels. Finally, the owner can obtain the inspection report and application form from the inspector. If all inspection items pass, the owner can proceed to pay the inspection fee and collect the vehicle registration certificate and compliance label. If any items fail, the owner must repair the vehicle and participate in a re-inspection until all items pass before proceeding with the visa formalities.
I've been driving for over a decade, and there haven't been major changes to the vehicle inspection policy since 2021. For new cars, you only need to get them inspected every two years for the first six years, which is quite hassle-free—no frequent trips to the inspection station. For cars aged between 6 and 10 years, it's an annual inspection, and for vehicles older than 10 years, inspections are required every six months. This policy is mainly for safety reasons, as older cars are more prone to issues like faulty lights or brakes, and regular checks help catch problems early. I once forgot to get my car inspected and ended up with a fine of a few hundred yuan, plus nearly had an accident. So, I recommend setting a phone reminder and not slacking off—timely inspections keep you safe and save money. Nowadays, online appointments make it even more convenient, and choosing off-peak hours can save you time.
