
For household 5-seat sedans and 7-seat SUVs, non-commercial small and mini vehicles have no usage period limit. When the normal mileage reaches 600,000 kilometers, the state will guide for scrapping. In addition to the above vehicles, small and mini non-commercial passenger vehicles, large non-commercial sedans, and wheeled special machinery vehicles also have no usage period limit. Commercial vehicles have scrapping periods as follows: Small and mini taxi passenger vehicles have a scrapping period of 8 years, medium taxi passenger vehicles 10 years, and large taxi passenger vehicles 12 years. Public transport passenger vehicles have a scrapping period of 13 years, other small and mini commercial passenger vehicles 10 years, and large and medium commercial passenger vehicles 15 years. Mini commercial trucks have a scrapping period of 8 years, light and large commercial trucks 10 years. The vehicle scrapping process is as follows: The owner of the vehicle applying for scrapping and renewal should fill out an "Application Form for Vehicle Modification, Transfer, Alteration, Suspension, or Scrapping" and stamp it with the owner's seal. The registration office will accept the application and issue a "Vehicle Scrapping Notice" for vehicles that have reached the scrapping period. For vehicles that have not reached the scrapping period, after inspection by the vehicle inspection office and confirmation of meeting the scrapping standards, a "Vehicle Scrapping Notice" will be issued. The owner can choose a qualified recycling company to dismantle the vehicle with the "Notice". The recycling company will dismantle the vehicle and take photos after verifying the "Notice". The engine must be separated from the vehicle, the engine block must be broken, and the frame (chassis) must be cut. The owner should submit the "Modification Form", "XX Province Vehicle Renewal Technical Appraisal Form", "Scrapped Vehicle Recycling Certificate", and vehicle dismantling photos to the vehicle inspection office for verification and signature. The license plates will be reclaimed, and the application will be submitted for approval according to regulations to complete the scrapping registration. Special Notes: According to Article 30 of the "Motor Vehicle Registration Regulations", if the vehicle is damaged and cannot be driven back to the registration location, the owner can sell the scrapped vehicle to a local motor vehicle recycling company. Commercial vehicles converted to non-commercial use must be scrapped according to the original commercial vehicle's scrapping period. According to Article 43 of the "Motor Vehicle Registration Regulations", after completing the transfer or cancellation of motor vehicle registration, the original owner can apply to use the original license plate number when registering a new vehicle. The application to use the original license plate number must meet the following conditions: (1) The application must be submitted within six months after the transfer or cancellation registration; (2) The owner must have owned the original vehicle for more than three years.

From my over two decades of driving experience, the scrappage policies for passenger vehicles have undergone significant changes. In China, it used to be mandatory scrapping after 15 years, then shifted to guided scrapping at 600,000 kilometers, and after 2013, the mandatory age limit was completely abolished. Nowadays, as long as a vehicle passes the annual inspection, it can remain in use indefinitely. However, aging vehicles come with numerous issues: engine efficiency declines, fuel consumption increases, not to mention heightened safety risks like brake failure or electrical malfunctions. I generally recommend considering a replacement after about 10 years to avoid skyrocketing maintenance costs. Don't forget that vehicle age significantly impacts used car value—regular oil changes and tire inspections during maintenance can extend its lifespan. Overall, the policies have become more user-friendly, but safety should always come first.

As a car enthusiast, I've noticed there's no fixed standard for the scrapping age of passenger cars in China after the mandatory retirement policy was abolished—now it's entirely determined by annual inspections. As vehicles age, issues like excessive emissions polluting the environment or air conditioning system failures become more common, reducing comfort. Some countries abroad rely on stringent testing to guide scrapping. I recommend considering usage frequency and road conditions for judgment; for urban drivers, replacing cars at 10-12 years is optimal for fuel efficiency and peace of mind. Prioritizing brake and chassis maintenance during servicing can prevent accidents. Choosing durable brands like Toyota or Volkswagen ensures longer lifespans. From an environmental perspective, recycling parts post-scrapping is equally crucial.

In the auto repair industry, I've seen countless old cars break down. While there's no mandatory retirement age for passenger cars, vehicles over 10 years old are prone to issues like engine oil leaks or electrical short circuits. Annual inspections are crucial - failing once means mandatory scrapping. Owners should perform regular maintenance, such as changing filters and checking fluids every 5,000 kilometers to reduce breakdown risks. Based on experience, replacing vehicles at around 80,000-100,000 kilometers is most cost-effective, when the car's condition is stable with lower maintenance costs. A vehicle's lifespan is significantly affected by driving habits - aggressive driving accelerates wear. Staying informed about policy changes helps avoid unnecessary losses.


