
2016 new vehicles are exempt from inspection until 2021. The definition of an inspection-exempt vehicle is that it is exempt from on-site inspection within the first 6 years of the vehicle. Since 2022 is the sixth year of the vehicle, according to regulations, the vehicle must be taken to the vehicle management office for on-site inspection within the 3 months prior to the vehicle registration date. However, it is still necessary to apply for the annual inspection sticker at the vehicle management office or online every two years. Below are the conditions for the 6-year inspection exemption for new vehicles and the relevant regulations for motor vehicle annual inspections: Conditions for the 6-year inspection exemption for new vehicles: The motor vehicle must be a non-commercial vehicle; the vehicle's rated passenger capacity is 6 or fewer. Starting from November 20, 2020, non-commercial small and micro passenger vehicles with 7 to 9 seats are included in the exemption scope; the vehicle type specified on the driving license includes sedans (mini, small, medium, large), mini ordinary passenger vehicles, mini off-road passenger vehicles, small ordinary passenger vehicles, small off-road passenger vehicles, and small special-purpose passenger vehicles; vehicles registered within 4 years from the date of manufacture; and vehicles that meet the above conditions and have not been involved in any traffic accidents causing casualties during the exemption period. Vehicles that meet the above conditions can enjoy the 6-year inspection exemption policy. Relevant regulations for motor vehicle annual inspections: Commercial 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 and medium non-commercial 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 micro non-commercial passenger vehicles are exempt from inspection for the first 6 years, but must apply for the inspection sticker every two years; starting from November 20, 2020, vehicles over 6 years but less than 10 years old will be inspected once every two years instead of once a year; vehicles over 10 years old must be inspected once a year; and vehicles over 15 years old must be inspected every 6 months.

I bought this car in 2016. For the first six years after new car registration, it was exempt from on-site inspection, meaning the exemption period lasted until the end of 2022. During that time, I just went to the vehicle management office every two years to complete some paperwork and get the inspection sticker, which was quite convenient without having to queue for an actual vehicle inspection. However, starting in 2023, the situation changed—now I have to go to the inspection station every year to check functions like lights and brakes. I think this policy is well-designed, simplifying procedures for new owners while ensuring safety, but it's best to mark the dates in advance to avoid being checked on the road. I almost forgot last year. Also, it's important to pay attention to regular maintenance and not wait until major issues arise before fixing them.

Speaking of the new car inspection exemption policy in 2016, it was valid until 2022 because the regulations stipulated that new cars were exempt from on-site inspections for the first six years, after which they had to undergo annual inspections. According to my research, this six-year period is calculated from the registration date, so vehicles registered in 2016 naturally must be inspected by 2023. As an ordinary car owner, the salesperson didn’t emphasize the details when I chose the car back then, and I only realized the necessity of inspection after the exemption period ended. I recommend everyone to book an inspection station appointment early. Safety is no small matter, and driving an older car requires more frequent checks on tires and electrical circuits.

For a new car purchased in 2016, the exemption from inspection only lasts until the end of 2022. During the first six years, you only need to collect the inspection sticker every two years. I recently dealt with my own car, and starting from 2023, it requires an annual inspection, which can be quite tedious. Fortunately, the overall policy is considerate of car owners' time.


