What does the critical inspection of motor vehicles mean?
2 Answers
Vehicle approaching annual inspection (safety technical inspection) means that small and micro non-operating passenger vehicles must be inspected once every 2 years within 6 years; operating passenger vehicles must be inspected once every year within 5 years. If an operating motor vehicle passes the safety technical inspection within the specified inspection period, it will not be subject to repeated safety technical inspections. The following are the "Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China" Article 16 Motor vehicles shall undergo safety technical inspections according to the following periods from the date of registration: (1) Operating passenger vehicles must be inspected once every year within 5 years; if exceeding 5 years, they must be inspected once every 6 months. (2) Trucks and large and medium-sized non-operating passenger vehicles must be inspected once every year within 10 years; if exceeding 10 years, they must be inspected once every 6 months. (3) Small and micro non-operating passenger vehicles must be inspected once every 2 years within 6 years; if exceeding 6 years, they must be inspected once every year; if exceeding 15 years, they must be inspected once every 6 months. (4) Motorcycles must be inspected once every 2 years within 4 years; if exceeding 4 years, they must be inspected once every year. (5) Tractors and other motor vehicles must be inspected once every year.
When I first bought my car, I was quite unfamiliar with the term 'periodic inspection.' Later, I learned that it refers to a mandatory detailed check-up when the vehicle reaches a critical point—such as being six years old or hitting 100,000 kilometers—at designated locations. I went through one myself, which mainly involved safety and environmental checks like brakes, lights, and emissions, required by the government to prevent issues with older vehicles. You need to prepare documents like the vehicle license and insurance policy in advance, or the trip would be wasted. I also picked up some tips: booking online saves time, and choosing a reliable inspection station is key—don’t wait until the last minute to avoid travel disruptions. If you miss the deadline, the police can fine you, and insurance may not cover damages, so it’s important to take it seriously. Overall, periodic inspections aren’t a hassle—maintaining your car’s performance ensures safety for everyone, especially during rainy seasons when roads are slippery. Good brakes can literally save lives!
