What are the new regulations for private cars?

[VanLyla]

The following are the new regulations for private cars: 1. Small passenger cars exempt from inspection for six years: Under the new regulations, non-commercial small passenger cars and other vehicles are exempt from inspection for six years. During this period, the vehicle owner or the unit to which the vehicle belongs must submit the compulsory traffic insurance policy and the vehicle and vessel tax certificate to the vehicle management office every two years, and then directly apply to the traffic management department of the public security bureau for the inspection compliance label. 2. Annual inspection can be conducted in different locations: Starting from the implementation of the new regulations this year, the traffic management department of the public security bureau can provide services such as annual inspection for small passenger cars in different locations and online appointment for annual inspection, making it more convenient for vehicle owners. Within the scope of the city, vehicle owners can independently choose the inspection agency for the annual inspection. 3. Opening of appointment channels: To facilitate the annual inspection of vehicles, the inspection agencies of the vehicle management office have set up appointment channels and windows for vehicles with scheduled inspections. This reduces the queuing time for vehicle owners during the inspection process, allowing them to directly proceed with the online inspection. After passing the inspection, they can obtain the annual inspection compliance label and the environmental protection label with the inspection report.

[White]

In recent years, there have been quite a few changes to the regulations for private vehicle annual inspections. Previously, new vehicles were exempt from inspections for the first 6 years but required obtaining a label every two years. Now, vehicles under 6 years old don’t need any on-site inspections at all. For vehicles aged 6 to 10 years, the inspection frequency has been reduced from annual to biennial, while those over 10 years old still require yearly inspections. The inspection items have also been adjusted, with new additions like tire tread depth checks and seatbelt inspections, while some items like engine and chassis noise checks have been removed. Certain vehicle types, such as minivans, are subject to stricter requirements. Cross-regional inspections have become much more convenient, as nationwide inspections are now allowed without the need for authorization letters. Another minor change is the merging of emission and safety inspections into a single process, integrating tailpipe emission tests directly into the annual inspection without requiring a separate visit to the testing line. Inspection fees vary across the country, typically ranging between 200 to 400 RMB.

[StCameron]

The new regulations on used car circulation are particularly practical. Last year, the restriction on cross-province transfers was lifted, meaning China V emission standard vehicles can now be transferred nationwide, unlike before when relocating out-of-province vehicles was particularly troublesome. The used car transaction tax has also been reduced, shifting from full taxation to differential taxation, which can save a lot of money. The process for transferring used car ownership is now much simpler, with cross-province transactions no longer requiring a return to the original location—just bring your ID card, registration certificate, and vehicle license. Online electronic file transfer services have also been introduced, eliminating the need to travel between two places to retrieve files. Non-commercial passenger vehicles registered under an individual's name can be sold with their license plates after just one year, no longer requiring a three-year wait. However, special attention should be paid to battery warranty issues with used new energy vehicles, as some dealers are reluctant to accept older electric cars.

[JohnLee]

Purchasing electric vehicles now comes with many policy incentives. New energy vehicles are still exempt from purchase tax, but starting in 2024, the exemption cap will be reduced to a maximum of 30,000 yuan. Green license plates continue to be issued for free, but require a pure electric range of no less than 200 kilometers. Major cities like Beijing and Shanghai have greater policy support for new energy vehicle quotas. Subsidies for charging infrastructure construction have increased by 30% nationwide, and property management must cooperate with the installation of charging stations in residential areas. Some cities have established zero-emission zones where fuel-powered vehicles are prohibited. New vehicle purchase subsidies are beginning to decrease and may be completely phased out next year. Usage-stage incentives remain favorable, with toll fee reductions and dedicated parking spaces still in effect. Annual inspections for electric vehicles are largely the same as for fuel-powered vehicles, with no special requirements.

[SanMadeline]

Attention to all car modification enthusiasts regarding these policy adjustments. Changing the color of your car body can now be directly registered without approval, but avoid using special paint schemes like those on police cars. Wheel rims can be altered in style but not in size, and tire specifications must remain consistent with the original factory settings. Roof racks are permitted as long as they do not exceed 30 cm in height, and side steps should not extend more than 5 cm beyond the car body. Interior modifications are largely unrestricted, but the number of seats must not be increased or decreased. Lighting modifications must not include strobe or high-intensity configurations; for replacing halogen lights with LEDs, it is recommended to use the original factory assembly. Modifications to the engine or transmission are strictly prohibited. Minor adjustments to the suspension system are acceptable, but lowering it too much may result in failing the annual inspection. Exhaust pipes must not be modified to straight pipes or to increase noise levels. All modifications must be registered within ten days after the changes are made.

[Sally]

The rules for private car scrappage have actually become more lenient than before. The mandatory 15-year scrappage period has been abolished, replaced by a guided scrappage at 600,000 kilometers. As long as the vehicle passes the annual inspection, it can continue to be driven. Of course, if the car's condition is very poor after reaching 600,000 kilometers, it will be mandatorily scrapped. The scrappage compensation amount has now been increased, ranging from 5,000 to 18,000 depending on the engine displacement. If you opt for scrappage renewal, you can receive additional subsidies. For the specific process, you need to bring the registration certificate and driving license to an authorized dismantling plant, and they will issue a cancellation certificate. Never sell the car as scrap privately, otherwise, the vehicle status will be abnormal, and you won't be able to buy a car in the future. Additionally, vehicles that haven't undergone annual inspections for three years will have their files automatically canceled, and you won't be eligible for compensation if you want to scrap them later.