What is the vehicle scrapping period?
3 Answers
Non-operational vehicles and operational vehicles have different scrapping periods, as detailed below: Scrapping regulations for non-operational vehicles: For household 5-seat sedans and 7-seat SUVs, as well as non-operational small and mini cars, there is no usage period limit. When the normal mileage reaches 600,000 kilometers, the state will guide the scrapping process. In addition to the above vehicles, small and mini non-operational passenger cars, large non-operational sedans, and wheeled special machinery vehicles also have no usage period limit. Common scrapping regulations for operational vehicles: Small and mini taxi passenger vehicles have a scrapping period of 8 years, medium-sized 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 operational passenger vehicles 10 years, and large and medium-sized operational passenger vehicles 15 years. Mini operational trucks have a scrapping period of 8 years, light and large operational trucks 10 years. The vehicle scrapping process is as follows: The vehicle owner applying for scrapping and renewal must fill out an "Application Form for Vehicle Modification, Transfer, Alteration, Suspension, or Scrapping" and affix their 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, the vehicle inspection office will determine if they meet the scrapping standards and issue a "Vehicle Scrapping Notice" if applicable. The vehicle 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 vehicle owner must 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 scrapping registration will be processed according to regulations. Special notes: According to Article 30 of the "Motor Vehicle Registration Regulations", if a vehicle cannot be driven back to its registration location due to damage, the owner can submit the vehicle for scrapping to a local motor vehicle recycling company. Operational vehicles converted to non-operational status must be scrapped according to the original operational vehicle's scrapping period. According to Article 43 of the "Motor Vehicle Registration Regulations", after completing the transfer or cancellation of a motor vehicle's registration, the original owner can apply to use the original license plate number for a newly purchased vehicle when registering it. The application must meet the following conditions: (1) The application must be submitted within six months after the transfer or cancellation of registration; (2) The owner must have owned the original vehicle for more than three years.
The issue of vehicle scrapping periods is something I've pondered for many years. As a veteran driver with 30 years of experience, I must say regulations vary significantly across regions. In some areas, especially big cities, private vehicles may be mandatorily scrapped after 15 years or upon reaching 600,000 kilometers, but it's not an absolute rule - annual inspection results also matter. As cars age, critical components like braking systems and steering mechanisms wear faster, increasing safety risks. That's why these regulations exist for public safety. My advice to car owners is to maintain regular check-ups, especially for vehicles over 10 years old where part deterioration becomes critical. Also, policies evolve - with stricter environmental standards now, older vehicles failing emission tests face higher scrapping risks. It's always best to consult local vehicle administration offices to avoid complications.
As an average car owner, I don't find the vehicle retirement policy that mysterious. Having driven for 10 years, I know safety is paramount. Policies vary by region - our local rule of mandatory retirement only after failing annual inspection post 15 years is quite reasonable. When vehicles age, maintenance costs skyrocket; replacing an engine might cost more than buying new, making retirement the wiser choice. I also consider emissions - newer cars meet higher standards while older ones pollute more, so retiring them contributes to environmental protection. My advice: don't push vehicles to their limits. Regular maintenance extends lifespan, but after 15 years, component deterioration significantly increases driving risks.
