Is a car that has just turned 6 years old exempt from inspection?
4 Answers
The sixth-year vehicle requires an on-site annual inspection. The six-year exemption refers to non-commercial passenger cars and other small and mini passenger vehicles (excluding vans and vehicles with 7 or more seats), which are exempt from on-site testing within six years. Relevant information about vehicle annual inspection is as follows: 1. Introduction: Vehicle annual inspection refers to a mandatory test for every vehicle that has obtained official license plates and a vehicle registration certificate, equivalent to an annual physical examination for the vehicle according to the "Safety Technical Conditions for Motor Vehicle Operation." 2. Purpose: Vehicle annual inspection can promptly eliminate potential safety hazards, encourage enhanced vehicle maintenance, and reduce the occurrence of traffic accidents.
I remember last year when my car reached its 6-year mark, I specifically checked the annual inspection policy. New cars within 6 years are indeed exempt from on-site testing, but once they reach 6 years, they must undergo on-site inspections. My 5-seater sedan hit this milestone last year, so I went to the testing station in advance to queue up for the inspection, which included checks on emissions, lights, brakes, and other items. Actually, the government’s 6-year limit is quite reasonable, as many parts start to age, and rubber components are prone to cracking. The technician at the testing station advised booking an appointment at least one month in advance, bringing the vehicle license, insurance policy, and ensuring all traffic violations are resolved. The whole process takes about two hours. For cars older than 10 years, more frequent inspections are necessary—safety is the top priority.
Old Zhang in our neighborhood got pulled over by traffic police just after his car passed 6 years, all because the annual inspection expired. Actually, national regulations are quite clear: for the first 6 years, new cars only need to apply for the inspection exemption decal every 2 years, but the 6th year requires an on-site inspection. My SUV had its first inspection last year, costing over 200 yuan. They mainly check wear parts like the chassis and brake pad thickness – especially for cars that frequently take long-distance trips, as the wear is more severe. I recommend everyone pay attention to the reminders on the 12123 APP; some cities even offer door-to-car inspection services. However, 7-seater vehicles don’t qualify for this policy and must undergo annual on-site inspections.
I just had my 6-year-old car inspected last week. Under the new regulations, vehicles need to undergo on-site inspections in their 6th, 8th, and 10th years, which is more lenient than the old policy. The inspection mainly focuses on three parts: visual check for any modifications, exhaust emission test (most accurate after warming up the engine for 10 minutes), and undercarriage inspection with special attention to ball joint rubber boots. Remember to replace worn wiper blades and bulbs in advance, as these minor issues most commonly lead to re-inspection. Nowadays, inspection stations offer good services, some even provide chauffeur pickup/drop-off, making it convenient for working professionals to get it done during lunch breaks.
