New Vehicle Inspection Rules in 2021: How Often Should You Inspect Your Car?
4 Answers
For new cars within 6 years, they are exempt from inspection twice (inspection labels need to be applied for every two years, but no on-site vehicle inspection is required). At the 6th and 8th year, the vehicle must undergo on-site inspection. For private cars over 10 years old, the original inspection cycle still applies: annual inspection for cars aged 10 to 15 years, and semi-annual inspection for cars over 15 years. The new regulations include 7 to 9-seater non-operational mini and micro buses (excluding vans) within 6 years in the exemption scope. For non-operational mini and micro buses (excluding vans) over 6 but under 10 years old, the inspection frequency is adjusted from annual to biennial.
I'm an average car owner who bought a sedan back in 2021 and did quite a bit of research on the new regulations. After the rule changes, private car owners have it super easy: no need to visit the inspection station annually for the first six years—just apply for an electronic inspection mark every two years via the Traffic Management 12123 app, with no physical inspection required. Only after six full years do you need the first on-site inspection, followed by biennial checks until the car reaches ten years old. Beyond ten years, inspections become annual, and for vehicles over fifteen years old, it's every six months. Remember to handle it on time—unlike my friend who delayed until it expired, got fined 200 RMB, and worried about driving safety. I recommend setting a phone reminder; annual inspections aren’t just a legal requirement but also ensure road safety—small things like brake lights can pose big risks. Keep up with regular maintenance too, checking tires and lights before inspections to avoid wasted trips. The new rules really lighten the burden, making driving much more carefree.
As someone working in a repair shop, I help car owners with annual inspection questions every day. The 2021 new regulations have indeed relaxed requirements for regular passenger cars: for the first six years, you only need to apply for the inspection mark online every two years without an on-site inspection, saving everyone a lot of time. After six years, you must visit the inspection station every two years for comprehensive safety and emission tests, and cars over ten years old need annual inspections. Many owners don't pay attention, and common issues I encounter, like broken taillights or excessive tire wear, can cause inspection failures. I recommend noting your car's purchase year to avoid missing deadlines under the new rules, as overdue inspections can lead to fines and penalty points. Maintaining your car well and regularly checking electrical systems can save on repair costs. Older cars require even more frequent checks—those over fifteen years old need inspections every six months. Safety should always come first; don't cut corners and compromise driving safety. Simply put, the new regulations are well-designed, gradually increasing strictness to ensure everyone drives safely.
When I first bought my car, I didn't understand the new annual inspection regulations until my friend explained them to me. The 2021 rules are really user-friendly for passenger cars: for the first six years after purchasing a new car, you only need to apply for the inspection mark online every two years without any hassle of visiting the inspection station. It's only after six years of driving that the first on-site inspection is required, followed by inspections every year until the car reaches ten years. For cars over ten years old, annual inspections are mandatory. Beginners often overlook the dates, so I set calendar reminders to avoid fines. Remembering this makes driving more worry-free and safer.
