Is Annual Inspection Still Required for Vehicles Eligible for 6-Year Exemption?
2 Answers
Annual inspection is still required. The 6-year exemption refers to exemption from on-site vehicle testing, not exemption from annual inspection procedures. Vehicles meeting the 6-year exemption criteria are exempt from the physical inspection (i.e., vehicle testing) process, but owners must still apply for the annual inspection compliance decal (the sticker displayed on the windshield) every two years. In other words, the exemption only eliminates the vehicle testing step, while the inspection decal must still be renewed biennially. Important notes for annual inspection: During inspection, the vehicle management office will examine the vehicle's lighting system. If headlights are found to be either too dim or excessively bright, the vehicle will fail inspection. For dim lights, check whether the lighting circuit or bulbs have aged, and replace components if necessary. If xenon headlights have been installed, it's recommended to revert to the original headlight configuration before inspection to ensure compliance.
Actually, the 6-year exemption from inspection means that new vehicles are exempt from on-site testing for the first 6 years, but you still need to handle it every year. The key point is that you must apply for the inspection label online every two years and submit proof of compulsory traffic insurance and vehicle and vessel tax, otherwise you will be fined and penalized with points. I used to run a 4S shop and helped people with this. Many car owners mistakenly thought they didn’t need to do anything at all, forgot to apply, and ended up being stopped by traffic police on the road. I recommend downloading the Traffic Management 12123 APP and setting up reminders to get it done on time to avoid trouble. After the full 6 years, you’ll have to go for annual on-site inspections. As the car ages, problems increase, so paying attention to maintenance in advance can help reduce future expenses.
