What are the regulations for vehicle annual inspection periods?
2 Answers
Annual inspection time regulations: The first annual inspection for passenger cars is conducted after six years. Non-operational small and micro passenger vehicles, including family cars over 6 years but under 10 years old, require biennial inspections. For vehicles exactly six years old, the inspection requires driving the vehicle to the testing station with ID card, vehicle license, vessel tax or tax exemption certificate, and compulsory insurance policy. After passing the inspection, a certificate will be issued, which along with the submitted documents should be presented at the relevant window to obtain the annual inspection sticker. Annual inspection is legally mandated, meaning it is compulsory, and every vehicle on the road must undergo inspection. To facilitate vehicle owners, the government has introduced a six-year exemption policy, allowing new vehicles meeting the six-year inspection requirements to be exempt from annual inspections. The purpose of annual inspection is: To check whether the engine, chassis, body, and auxiliary equipment are clean, intact, and effective; whether the car's paint is symmetrical and aesthetically pleasing; whether major general processes have been replaced and match the initial inspection records. To verify that the vehicle's braking performance, turning maneuverability, lights, exhaust pipes, and other safety factors comply with the "Technical Conditions for Safe Operation of Motor Vehicles" requirements. To inspect whether the vehicle has been modified, altered, or transformed; whether all records in the vehicle license, license plate, and vehicle files match the current condition of the vehicle and if there have been any changes; and whether approval, alteration, or modification procedures have been applied for. To check whether the license plate printed on the vehicle, the vehicle license, and the enlarged license plate characters are damaged or illegible, and whether they need replacement.
I just handled my vehicle annual inspection last year. Now, for private cars within the first ten years, you only need to conduct two on-site inspections—specifically in the sixth and tenth years. I was initially worried about the process being complicated, but it turned out to be quite hassle-free. Here’s a reminder for everyone: under the new policy, vehicles within ten years only require on-site inspections in the sixth and tenth years. However, for the first six years, you must apply for the exemption inspection label every two years via the Traffic Management 12123 App, and the supplementary page of the vehicle license no longer needs endorsement. Older cars over ten years are more troublesome, requiring an annual on-site inspection, especially those over fifteen years, which need to be inspected every six months, with a focus on emissions, brakes, and lights. It’s advisable for owners of older cars to conduct a pre-inspection a month in advance. If you find dim lights or thin brake pads, replace them promptly to avoid multiple trips to the inspection station. Before the inspection, make sure to settle all traffic violations and bring your vehicle license and a copy of the compulsory traffic insurance policy. Many inspection stations now offer advance appointments.
