Is a small car inspected once every two years or twice a year?
3 Answers
For small passenger cars within 6 years of registration, the inspection is required once every two years, which means the motor vehicle inspection certificate should be renewed every two years. The inspection can be conducted up to 3 months before the expiration date. Below is additional information: 1. Relevant regulations: 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 within specified periods starting from the date of registration. 2. Vehicle types: Operational passenger vehicles must be inspected once a year within the first 5 years; after 5 years, they must be inspected every 6 months. Trucks and large or medium-sized non-operational passenger vehicles must be inspected once a year within the first 10 years; after 10 years, they must be inspected every 6 months; small and mini non-operational passenger vehicles must be inspected once every 2 years within the first 6 years; after 6 years, once a year; and after 15 years, every 6 months.
I remember when I first bought a car, I naively thought it was either an inspection every two years or twice a year. Actually, the current annual inspection rules for small cars are quite simple. For the first six years, new cars are basically exempt from inspection—you just need to go to the DMV every two years to get a new inspection sticker, no need for an actual inspection. After six to ten years of use, the car must undergo an inspection every two years. Once it's over ten years old, it gets more troublesome—you have to go to the inspection station every year to queue up for the test. There’s never been a rule requiring two inspections a year! I recommend downloading a car management app—it will remind you in advance about the sticker renewal date, so you won’t forget and get stressed. Timely inspections not only avoid fines but also ensure your car is safe on the road. Don’t be like me last time, rushing to get the paperwork done at the last minute.
As a family car owner, I always worry about safety when taking my kids out, and the annual inspection is something I can't be careless about. For small cars like our five-seater sedan, it's basically a biennial inspection: within the first six years of a new car, you only need to collect an inspection sticker every two years, but after six years, a full on-site inspection is required every two years. Once the car is over ten years old, it upgrades to an annual inspection. I've never heard of a rule requiring two inspections a year unless you're speeding or violating traffic laws and get randomly checked. Remember this cycle, book the inspection station early, save time and effort, and avoid fines for road issues—after all, safety comes first.
