What procedures are required for a car to undergo inspection?
4 Answers
To have a car inspected, you need to prepare the compulsory traffic insurance policy, driver's license, motor vehicle inspection application form, motor vehicle safety inspection certificate, motor vehicle registration certificate, etc. Car annual inspection period: For non-commercial small cars, new cars are exempt from inspection for the first six years. After six years, they need to be inspected annually. If a family car is over 15 years old, it must undergo inspection every six months. For commercial vehicles, annual inspection is required every year. If they exceed 15 years, large commercial vehicles or cargo vehicles must be inspected annually. Annual inspection items: The inspection includes checking whether the vehicle's engine, chassis, body, and accessories are clean and complete, as well as verifying if the vehicle's paint is uniform. Additionally, the inspection covers the vehicle's braking performance, steering control, lights, exhaust, and other safety-related aspects to ensure the vehicle complies with the technical conditions for safe operation.
I just had my 6-year-old compact car inspected last year, and the procedure was actually quite straightforward. First, you need to bring three items: the original ID card of the vehicle owner (both parties' IDs if processed by an agent), a copy of the compulsory traffic insurance policy (electronic version is acceptable), and the vehicle registration certificate. For light trucks, you also need to prepare reflective warning triangles. Make sure to settle any traffic violations beforehand, otherwise the system will block the inspection. At the inspection station, first go to the payment window to get the form, which costs around 200 yuan. Then queue up for the exterior inspection, where the staff will check the VIN, tire tread depth, and require any modified emblems or exhaust pipes to be restored. The lighting inspection is where most people get stuck, so remember to check your headlight brightness in advance. During the brake test on the dynamometer, remember to press the accelerator firmly twice—many beginners make mistakes here. Finally, take the passed report to the service hall for stamping. The whole process takes about 40 minutes.
As an auto mechanic, here are some important reminders for you: Before the annual inspection, make sure all your brake lights are working properly, and the low beam headlights should not be scattered (I've seen too many cases where xenon lights were adjusted too high and failed the inspection). The tread depth of your tires must not be less than 1.6mm, and don't forget to bring your spare tire. Attention to car modifiers: The rim size must match the registration certificate, and if the film coverage exceeds 30%, you'll need an approval document. Bring a fire extinguisher, as this year's new regulations require the pressure gauge to be in the green zone. Remember to check for any outstanding traffic violations beforehand—if there are any unresolved issues, don't waste your trip. For out-of-town license plates, you'll need a letter of authorization for local inspection, and it's advisable to call the inspection station in advance to check if a company seal is required. Inspection fees are now standardized nationwide, so don't be fooled by scalpers into paying extra.
A friend who works at an inspection station shared a little tip with me: The vehicle management office's subordinate sites have fewer people and higher efficiency. Don't wash your car before the annual inspection! An engine compartment that's too clean might raise suspicions (some odometer-tampered cars get detailed cleaning right before inspections). Remember to release the handbrake during the test—some veteran drivers habitually test braking force with the handbrake engaged. Use low beams, not fog lights, during the lighting test, and don't talk to interfere when the staff operates the equipment. Pay special attention to the inspection cycle: New cars require an on-site inspection in the 6th year, and annual inspections start from the 10th year. It's recommended to make an appointment half a month in advance to avoid the end-of-month rush. There's no need for third-party agents—the entire process is now strictly monitored and standardized.
