What is the validity period for new vehicle annual inspections?
4 Answers
New vehicle annual inspection period: According to the regulations of the Road Traffic Safety Law Implementation Ordinance: 1. For passenger transport vehicles, inspections are required once a year within the first 5 years, and every 6 months after exceeding 5 years; 2. For cargo vehicles and large/medium-sized non-passenger transport vehicles, inspections are required once a year within the first 10 years, and every 6 months after exceeding 10 years; 3. For small and mini non-passenger transport vehicles, inspections are required every 2 years within the first 6 years, once a year after exceeding 6 years, and every 6 months after exceeding 15 years; 4. For motorcycles, inspections are required every 2 years within the first 4 years, and once a year after exceeding 4 years; 5. Tractors and other motor vehicles require annual inspections. If an operational motor vehicle passes the safety technical inspection within the specified inspection period, it does not need to undergo repeated safety technical inspections.
When I first bought my car, I was also confused about the annual inspection. Now I've got it all figured out! For newly purchased private cars, the first six years are hassle-free. In the second and fourth years, you just need to click a few times on the Traffic Management 12123 APP to get the electronic inspection label—no need to drive to the inspection station at all. However, in the sixth year, you have to take the car for a safety inspection to check things like brakes and lights. Then, in the tenth year, it's time for another on-site inspection. I remember my neighbor bought a used minivan, and this policy doesn’t apply because minivans must undergo an annual on-site inspection. Also, if the vehicle has been penalized for modifications or involved in an injury accident, it won’t qualify for the exemption. The inspection expiration date is marked on the vehicle registration certificate, and you can handle it three months before the deadline. Just remember to clear all traffic violations before going for the annual inspection.
Recent research on new vehicle regulations revealed changes in the annual inspection policy, which I'd like to share. For household passenger vehicles registered within the past ten years, only two on-site inspections are now required: in the sixth and tenth years. For the second and fourth years, simply apply for an inspection exemption mark via the APP or website – no need to even affix paper marks on windshields. The eighth year also requires just a simple application for an electronic mark. However, note three exceptions: minivans require annual on-site inspections regardless of age, vehicles penalized for illegal modifications, and vehicles involved in accidents causing casualties. Under the new policy, annual on-site inspections become mandatory after the tenth year. Remember to bring the electronic version of your compulsory traffic insurance policy when applying – using the traffic management APP is now much more convenient than queuing on-site.
As someone who often helps friends with vehicle inspections, the process is quite simple. For the second and fourth years after purchasing a new car, you only need to apply for the inspection exemption label online, with no need to visit an inspection station. By the sixth year, you must drive to the inspection station for safety checks such as lights and brakes. The eighth year reverts to applying for an electronic label online. The tenth year requires another on-site inspection, after which inspections become annual. A special reminder for pickup truck owners: pay attention to vehicle classification, as the same policy applies to 7 to 9-seater vehicles. Forgetting the inspection can result in a 200 yuan fine, penalty points, and may affect insurance claims. You can set up a reminder on the 12123 app, which notifies you 90 days in advance.
