
The procedures required for small car inspection include the vehicle license, the duplicate of the compulsory traffic insurance policy (i.e., the copy of the compulsory traffic insurance) within the validity period, and the triangular warning sign carried with the vehicle. The following is a detailed introduction to the vehicle annual inspection: 1. Meaning of annual inspection: Vehicle annual inspection refers to a mandatory test for every vehicle that has obtained an official license plate and vehicle license, equivalent to an annual physical examination for the vehicle according to the "Technical Conditions for Motor Vehicle Operation Safety." 2. Exemption policy: Non-operational small private passenger vehicles with 7 seats or less (including 7 seats) are exempt from on-site inspection within 6 years, which means the vehicle is exempt from on-site inspection. However, the owner still needs to apply for the inspection qualification mark at the vehicle management office, motor vehicle registration service station, or traffic police squadron within the specified period (generally 2 years) after passing the exhaust emission test, and post it on the upper right corner of the vehicle's front windshield. 3. Scope of application of the exemption policy: The 6-year exemption policy for non-operational passenger vehicles and other vehicles has been implemented since September 1, 2014. Vehicles registered on or after September 1, 2012, can be exempted twice; vehicles registered between September 1, 2010, and August 31, 2012, can be exempted once; vehicles registered before August 31, 2010, are still subject to the original inspection regulations for annual review.

I just had my car inspected last year, and this matter requires advance planning. Bring three essential items: the vehicle's registration certificate, a valid compulsory traffic insurance policy, and the owner's ID card. If you're authorizing someone else to handle it, remember to prepare a letter of authorization. Many cities now support mobile app appointments—I recommend booking in advance via the Traffic Management 12123 APP to avoid on-site queues. Ensure all vehicle lights function properly, brakes are responsive, and emissions meet standards—I've seen cases where people were asked to fix issues like faulty reverse lights. Remember to remove decorative items from the rear window, and if you've modified wheels or tires, it's best to revert to factory specifications. Finally, pay the inspection fee (varies by location, typically around 290 yuan), and you'll receive the new inspection sticker to affix to your windshield in about half an hour.

I've been through the vehicle inspection process three or four times, so I've got some experience. First, make sure your car doesn't have any outstanding traffic violations—the systems are all connected now, and getting stuck here wastes the most time. For documents, pay special attention to the insurance policy; you'll need either a paper copy or a printed version of the electronic policy. While electronic policies are common now, some older inspection stations still require paper. Check your vehicle a week in advance: all lights must be functional, the warning triangle should be placed in a visible spot in the trunk, and tire tread depth must not be below 1.6mm. Last year, my neighbor was asked to remove their window tint on the spot because it didn’t meet the light transmittance requirements. The whole process takes about two hours, so avoid the end-of-month rush to save time and effort.

The inspection process for new and old cars is quite different. For new cars within six years, you only need to apply for the inspection label online every two years without even visiting the inspection station. For cars over six years old, an annual on-site inspection is required. Last week, I helped a friend inspect his eight-year-old car and noticed several key points: the engine compartment shouldn’t be too dirty to avoid affecting the inspector’s judgment, xenon headlights must have lenses if modified, and if the body stickers cover over 30% of the surface, they need to be registered in advance. The emissions test is the strictest, so it’s best for older cars to drive at high speeds beforehand to clear carbon deposits. Bring 200-300 in cash as backup, as some inspection stations only accept cash. Just follow the staff’s instructions throughout the process—it’s not as complicated as it seems.

Just completed this year's vehicle inspection, summarizing a few practical tips. Remember to bring original documents, not photocopies, and the compulsory traffic insurance policy must have the traffic management department's seal. The vehicle exterior must not have any damage - the small scratch on my car's bumper didn't cause any issues. Pay special attention to three key points: the rear windshield defogger must function properly, the handbrake travel shouldn't be too loose, and don't forget to reinstall the mudguards during chassis inspection. There's now an added OBD diagnostic port check for reading fault codes, so clear any engine warning lights in advance. Finally, carefully verify all vehicle information on the inspection report - last year my license plate had a wrong letter which took another half hour to reprint.


