
Small and micro non-commercial passenger vehicles over 15 years old require inspections every 6 months, meaning biannual inspections. Commercial passenger vehicles: Within 5 years: annual inspection. Over 5 years: inspection every 6 months. Trucks and large/medium non-commercial passenger vehicles: Within 10 years: annual inspection. Over 10 years: inspection every 6 months. Small and micro non-commercial passenger vehicles with 9 seats or fewer: Within 6 years: exempt from inspection (obtain exemption mark every 2 years). 6-10 years: inspection every 2 years. 10-15 years: annual inspection. Over 15 years: inspection every 6 months.

As a veteran driver with fifteen years of experience, my Passat had to undergo two annual inspections after reaching its fifteenth year, which is mainly a mandatory requirement for older vehicles or certain commercial vehicles. According to Chinese regulations, passenger vehicles over fifteen years old generally require inspections every six months because aging cars experience greater wear and tear on parts, such as the braking system and emission controls, which are prone to issues. Frequent inspections help detect potential hazards early and prevent breakdowns on the road. While it may seem time-consuming to visit the inspection station every six months, in the long run, it genuinely enhances safety. My own car, for example, had cracked brake discs detected during an inspection, averting a potential accident. Of course, the process can be a bit cumbersome, especially for owners in smaller towns where inspection stations are scarce and taking time off work is necessary. However, as long as it’s done on time, the cost is minimal—just a few dozen yuan per inspection. I recommend that owners of older vehicles familiarize themselves with these regulations when purchasing a car and plan their maintenance schedules in advance.

From the perspective of vehicle safety experts, biannual inspections are typically required for high-mileage vehicles or special-purpose vehicles such as taxis or freight trucks. These vehicles experience high usage frequency and rapid aging, where components like worn-out engines or suspension systems may unexpectedly lead to major failures. Semi-annual inspections ensure critical parts such as steering systems and tires remain in good condition, reducing accident risks. If you own a private passenger car over 15 years old, this requirement applies; new vehicles generally avoid this hassle. Regular inspections also help monitor emission standards to comply with environmental regulations—otherwise, expect more fines. Operationally, just choose an authorized inspection station—the process takes about an hour. Don’t cut corners by driving a potentially hazardous vehicle; safety always comes first.

For friends who have just taken over an old car, understanding the twice-a-year inspection is quite important. Typically, vehicles over 15 years old need to be inspected every six months. The reason is simple: older car parts wear out quickly, such as the engine or transmission system often developing minor issues, and the annual inspection can expose problems in advance. I've seen many cases in repair shops where owners neglected the six-month inspection, leading to sudden breakdowns and repair costs skyrocketing several times over. Don't think the inspection fee is expensive—it's just a few dozen yuan each time, which is much more cost-effective than emergency major repairs. The actual process is very convenient: just bring your vehicle license to the inspection station, and in big cities, there are even appointment services to save time. Remember, regular maintenance isn't just for compliance—it's for the sake of your wallet and safety.


