When is the vehicle annual inspection due?
3 Answers
Vehicle annual inspection schedule: 1. For passenger transport vehicles, annual inspection is required within the first 5 years, and every 6 months thereafter; 2. For trucks and large/medium-sized non-commercial passenger vehicles, annual inspection is required within the first 10 years, and every 6 months thereafter; 3. For small and mini non-commercial passenger vehicles, biennial inspection is required within the first 6 years, annual inspection thereafter, and every 6 months after 15 years; 4. For motorcycles, biennial inspection is required within the first 4 years, and annual inspection thereafter; 5. Tractors and other motor vehicles require annual inspection. Commercial vehicles that pass safety inspection within the prescribed period are exempt from repeat safety inspections.
I remember when I first bought my car, the dealership told me the first 6 years would be quite easy—no need to visit the inspection station every year, but I had to apply for the inspection sticker on my phone every two years, saving both time and hassle. Once the car turns 6 years old, it’s time to visit the physical inspection station, roughly every two years. After 10 years, it becomes an annual must-do, and for cars older than 15 years, inspections are required every six months. I learned my lesson the hard way—once I forgot to renew the inspection on time, got pulled over, fined, and delayed. That’s when I started setting reminders on my phone calendar, checking the validity of my vehicle registration a month in advance and scheduling appointments. Keeping up with inspections isn’t just about avoiding fines—it’s more about ensuring critical components like brakes and lights are reliable, making safe driving a priority. Once you get into the habit, it’s no big deal.
As a new car owner, I recently researched vehicle inspection timelines after purchasing my car. It turns out that new vehicles are exempt from on-site inspections for the first 6 years, only requiring online application for electronic decals every two years. When the vehicle reaches 6 to 10 years old, biennial physical inspections at testing centers become necessary. Between 10 to 15 years of age, annual comprehensive inspections are required. For vehicles older than 15 years, semi-annual inspections are mandatory. Understanding this timeline is crucial, as missed inspections may result in fines and affect insurance coverage. While learning about car maintenance, I discovered that inspections check emissions and safety systems to prevent potential failures. I recommend fellow beginners to check official guidelines online or install vehicle management apps to track deadlines and avoid delays.
