Is Annual Bi-annual Inspection Troublesome?
5 Answers
Commercial passenger vehicles over 5 years old, cargo vehicles and large/medium non-commercial passenger vehicles over 10 years old, and small/mini non-commercial passenger vehicles over 15 years old all require bi-annual inspections. Having two inspections per year is obviously quite troublesome. Moreover, older vehicles generally have poorer conditions and are difficult to sell second-hand. If you find it too troublesome, you can apply for scrapping. Below is additional information: Relevant regulations: Starting from November 20, 2020, non-commercial small/mini passenger vehicles (excluding vans) within 6 years and with 7-9 seats are included in the exemption from inspection. At the same time, for non-commercial small/mini passenger vehicles (excluding vans) over 6 years but under 10 years old, the inspection cycle is relaxed from once per year to once every two years. This means private cars only need to undergo two on-site inspections within 10 years, specifically in the 6th and 8th years.
Personally, I find the twice-yearly vehicle inspections quite troublesome, mainly because each time I have to set aside half a day to queue at the inspection station. During peak hours, the wait can take up to an hour, which is truly time-consuming and disrupts my work schedule. For example, last time I drove there, my brake lights failed the inspection, and I had to go to a repair shop for immediate fixes, costing extra time. However, the upside is that it helps detect potential vehicle safety hazards in time, such as lighting or brake system issues, preventing accidents on the road. Preparing the required documents is also quite tedious—I need to bring my vehicle license, compulsory traffic insurance policy, etc. I’ve learned to print them in advance to save some hassle. Overall, though inconvenient, I still go through with it for safety reasons. Once you get used to it, you can plan better by choosing off-peak hours to minimize the impact.
I think the financial burden is also a hassle. The cost of each annual inspection isn't huge, but when you add up two inspections, plus potential minor repairs like fixing non-functioning lights or emissions that don't meet standards, it can really burn a hole in the budget of ordinary people with limited finances. I've experienced this myself—just replacing a light bulb cost me an extra few dozen yuan. Then there's the value of time to consider; losing half a day's work means lost income. The solution is to integrate these checks into regular vehicle maintenance, inspecting relevant components periodically to prevent issues in advance and reduce additional expenses. Overall, this approach cuts the hassle in half and ensures the car remains safe and durable, making the effort worthwhile in the long run.
It can be troublesome, but it's quite necessary from a safety and regulatory perspective. After a few years, components like lights and brakes on my car are prone to aging, and having it inspected twice a year can quickly identify potential hazards and prevent accidents. Having driven for decades, I've seen many people skip inspections out of annoyance, only to encounter worse problems on the road. The entire process, including emissions and light tests, is a measure to protect both us and pedestrians. Although it takes time, it becomes simpler once you get used to it: make an appointment in advance, bring the necessary documents, and you're done after one inspection. The key is to maintain a calm mindset and view the inspection as part of your maintenance responsibilities.
The key to reducing hassle is optimizing the process, and I save time by using an online booking system. Now, I can schedule an appointment at the nearest inspection station via a mobile app or the official website, choose a time slot, and arrive at the designated time with minimal waiting, saving a lot of time. Additionally, paying attention to vehicle maintenance, such as regularly checking lights and tire pressure, ensures passing the inspection in one go. Last time I did this, the entire process took only 15 minutes, and I didn’t even need repairs. I recommend developing good car habits to avoid last-minute issues piling up.
