What is the Scrap Age Limit for SUVs?
2 Answers
There is no scrap age limit for household SUVs, only a scrap mileage limit. When the normal driving mileage reaches 600,000 kilometers, the state will guide the vehicle to be scrapped. In addition, household 5-seater sedans and non-operational small and micro vehicles, small and micro non-operational passenger vehicles, large non-operational sedans, and wheeled special-purpose vehicles also have no usage age limit. When the normal driving mileage reaches 600,000 kilometers, the state will guide the vehicle to be scrapped. For small and micro taxi passenger vehicles, the scrap age limit is 8 years; for medium-sized taxi passenger vehicles, it is 10 years; and for large taxi passenger vehicles, it is 12 years. The scrap age limit for public transport passenger vehicles is 13 years, while for other small and micro operational passenger vehicles, it is 10 years, and for large and medium-sized operational passenger vehicles, it is 15 years. The scrap age limit for micro operational trucks is 8 years, while for light and large operational trucks, it is 10 years. Guided scrapping is a recommendation for scrapping, but if the vehicle still meets the requirements for continued use, it does not have to be scrapped. Mandatory scrapping means the vehicle must, without exception, be scrapped. There are four criteria for mandatory scrapping: (1) reaching the stipulated usage age limit; (2) failing to meet the national safety technical standards for in-use vehicles even after repairs and adjustments; (3) failing to meet national standards for pollutant emissions or noise levels even after repairs, adjustments, or the use of control technologies; (4) not obtaining the vehicle inspection qualification mark for three consecutive inspection cycles after the inspection validity period expires.
I've been driving an SUV for over a decade. According to current regulations, there's no mandatory retirement age for SUVs as private vehicles. The key factor is whether it can pass the annual inspection. If the vehicle is in good condition and well-maintained, it can last 15 years or even longer. My old SUV has been running for 13 years, with regular maintenance checks on brakes, tires, and the emission system, and it's still in use today. High mileage, such as exceeding 150,000 kilometers, may lead to faster wear of mechanical components, which could affect safety. If it fails the annual inspection, repairs or retirement may be necessary. Safety should always come first—don't overlook potential hazards just to save money. In short, the age limit isn't a rigid rule but depends on how you maintain and use the vehicle. It's advisable to check the lights and chassis yourself every six months to avoid sudden issues.
