What is the difference between the annual inspection of 5-seater and 7-seater vehicles?
2 Answers
The annual inspection schedules for 5-seater and 7-seater vehicles differ. Small passenger vehicles with 7 seats or more continue to follow the original policy of one inspection every 2 years, while small passenger vehicles with 5 seats or fewer can have one inspection every 6 years. Below is an introduction to annual inspections: 1. Vehicle annual inspection is also known as motor vehicle inspection. Depending on the usage nature of the motor vehicle, the inspection items and scope vary. Motor vehicle inspections include three categories: motor vehicle safety technical inspection, motor vehicle emission inspection, and comprehensive vehicle performance inspection. 2. For small cars and blue-license minivans, within the first six years after new vehicle registration, an inspection is required every two years; after six years, an annual inspection is required; after ten years, an annual inspection is required, and after fifteen years, two inspections per year are required.
As an ordinary car owner, I've driven both five-seaters and seven-seat SUVs, and the difference in annual inspections is quite noticeable. The main distinction lies in frequency. Five-seaters like sedans, typically used as private family vehicles, have more lenient annual inspections—usually every two years, with shorter durations and fewer test items. Seven-seat vehicles, due to their higher seating capacity and greater risk of overloading, face stricter annual inspections. In most cases, they require yearly visits to inspection stations, with more thorough checks including brakes, seatbelt anchors, lighting systems, and additional items. This process is far more time-consuming and costly, with higher inspection fees and longer queues. If regular maintenance is neglected, these vehicles are more likely to fail inspection. Safety is indeed crucial, so I carefully considered my choice. If passenger numbers are low, I opt for five-seaters for convenience—friends with seven-seaters often complain about taking time off work for annual inspections. Ultimately, it's essential to balance family needs with daily practicality before purchasing a vehicle.
