Is an Inspection-Exempt Vehicle Required During the Exemption Period?

[DelEsther]

New vehicles enjoy a 6-year exemption from annual inspections, meaning they do not need to undergo on-site testing during this period, applicable to private passenger vehicles with 5 seats or fewer. However, owners are still required to complete the annual inspection procedure every two years—obtaining an inspection decal (for motorcycles, the decal must be obtained in the 2nd, 4th, and 5th years, with an on-site test required in the 6th year). If the inspection decal expires and is discovered by traffic police, a 3-point deduction and a fine will be imposed. Below are the relevant regulations: Small and micro non-commercial passenger vehicles: Inspection once every 2 years within the first 6 years; once every year after exceeding 6 years; once every 6 months after exceeding 15 years. Trucks and large, medium non-commercial passenger vehicles: Inspection once every year within the first 10 years; once every 6 months after exceeding 10 years.

[LillianaMarie]

As an experienced car owner who has driven several vehicles, I must remind everyone not to assume that nothing needs attention during the exemption period. For the first 6 years of a new car, there's indeed no need for an annual on-site inspection at the testing station, but you must apply for the inspection exemption certificate every two years. Otherwise, it counts as a violation for skipping the annual inspection. When I first bought my new car, I overlooked this and almost got fined 200 yuan with 3 penalty points by the police. Now I always remember to apply on time through the Traffic Management 12123 APP, just upload the vehicle information and photos of the compulsory traffic insurance policy. This certificate is proof that the vehicle meets safety standards during the exemption period, and without it, insurance claims could be problematic. Additionally, I suggest owners not slack on regular maintenance—check brakes, tires, and lights—so you can pass the inspection smoothly once the exemption period ends. Remember, good policies are good, but procedures can't be skipped; lazy folks will pay the price.

[MacKarter]

If you've just bought a car or are concerned about procedures, remember that during the exemption period, you need to apply for an inspection exemption mark every two years instead of an annual inspection. The specific steps are quite simple: log in to the local vehicle management office website or traffic management app, fill in the vehicle information, submit the electronic version of the compulsory insurance certificate, and wait for the system to approve it. Don't make common mistakes—such as forgetting to apply on time and getting fined, or mistakenly thinking that exemption means no worries at all. The actual process takes about five minutes, but missing it once can cause a lot of trouble. A practical suggestion is to set a phone reminder for the application deadline and confirm that your insurance is still valid to avoid wasted effort. Basic vehicle condition self-checks are also necessary, as the policy is for convenience, not neglect.

[SanViolet]

From a novice's perspective, I was also puzzled about what to do during the exemption period when buying a car. Later, I understood that the so-called exemption doesn't mean doing nothing at all, but rather simplifies the inspection method—you still need to obtain an electronic inspection compliance mark every two years to prove the vehicle meets regulations. The process is easy, just a few clicks online. Neglecting this step is equivalent to skipping the annual inspection and will result in fines and penalty points. The policy's intention is to save the hassle of in-person inspections, but the owner's responsibility remains—don't forget it.

[DelPaislee]

From a regulatory perspective, during the 6-year exemption period for new vehicles, it is mandatory to apply for the inspection compliance decal every two years. According to motor vehicle management regulations, failure to apply on time is considered an inspection failure and will result in administrative penalties including fines and demerit points. The policy design ensures clear accountability, requiring vehicle owners to complete the procedures within the specified timeframe and verify relevant information such as complete and undisputed insurance records. Non-compliance risks directly affect the vehicle's road legality and must be avoided.

[StPreston]

Technically exempt vehicles, while exempt from physical station inspections, are required to apply for electronic verification marks every two years to confirm basic information and ensure system synchronization status. The process involves backend verification of insurance and vehicle condition to prevent potential hazards. Neglecting this may lead to data anomalies affecting subsequent annual inspection efficiency. Owners should also regularly self-check tire wear and brake functionality to ensure actual safety, not just relying on labels.