
Vehicle inspection cycles are as follows: 1. For operational passenger vehicles, annual inspection is required within the first 5 years; after exceeding 5 years, inspection is required every 6 months. 2. For trucks and large/medium-sized non-operational passenger vehicles, annual inspection is required within the first 10 years; after exceeding 10 years, inspection is required every 6 months. 3. For small/mini non-operational passenger vehicles, biennial inspection is required within the first 6 years; after exceeding 6 years, annual inspection is required; after exceeding 15 years, inspection is required every 6 months. The purpose of vehicle annual inspection is to examine the main technical conditions of vehicles, promote enhanced maintenance, ensure vehicles remain in good condition, and guarantee driving safety.

A few years ago when I bought my car, I specifically checked the annual inspection rules. Now, the inspection cycle for private cars has changed significantly. For the first 6 years, new cars are exempt from on-site inspections, and you only need to apply for an electronic label on the traffic management app 12123 every two years. When the car is between 6 and 10 years old, it must undergo an on-site inspection at a testing station, but only once every two years. After 10 years, an annual inspection is required. If the vehicle registration certificate indicates it's a commercial vehicle or a minivan, the rules are different, and an annual inspection is mandatory. It's advisable to check the annotations on the supplementary page of your vehicle registration certificate. The mobile app will remind you when the inspection is due. By the way, the inspection cycle does not reset after a used car is transferred, which is something many people often confuse.

I just took my 15-year-old car for its annual inspection, and the staff mentioned that the inspection frequency varies significantly based on the vehicle's age. For family cars under 10 years old, it's the most hassle-free: the first 6 years only require online application for an exemption sticker, and from 6 to 10 years, they need an on-site inspection every 2 years. However, vehicles over 10 years old must visit the inspection station annually—my car had to have three bulbs replaced last year just to pass. Vans face even stricter rules, requiring yearly inspections regardless of age. Motorcycles also need an annual check, so don’t overlook them. A reminder to everyone: don’t just focus on the year; inspections can be done up to 90 days before the due date. I prefer going a month early to avoid peak times. Recent new regulations also require checks on details like seat belts and reflective strips.

When researching vehicle management, it's noted that the annual inspection cycle primarily depends on two factors: vehicle age + vehicle type. For private cars within 10 years, it's divided into three phases: exemption from inspection for the first 6 years, biennial on-site inspections from 6-10 years, and annual inspections after 10 years. However, commercial vehicles, pickup trucks, and vans require annual inspections regardless. Don't underestimate motorcycles - despite their smaller size, their inspection requirements are as strict as cars. One important detail: exemption from inspection ≠ exemption from procedures - you still need to apply online for the inspection compliance mark every two years. For transferred vehicles, the inspection date is calculated based on the initial registration date - don't be misled into recalculating the cycle.


