Chengdu Car Inspection Guide: A First-Timer's Experience with the 6-Year Checkup
For ordinary family sedans, new vehicles are exempt from inspection for the first six years. My commuter car just reached its sixth year this time, marking the deadline for the first mandatory inspection. Having no prior experience, I researched online and completed the inspection independently, encountering several pitfalls along the way. This article shares my entire inspection journey.
Note: The author is based in Chengdu, driving a 5-seat standard small sedan. Procedures may vary by region or vehicle type. Information may change over time; please use this content as a reference only!
Preparation
In the sixth year, the inspection must be completed within three months. For example, if you purchased your car in September 2020, the first inspection should generally be completed between June and September 2026. Required preparations include:
- Booking an inspection agency and time slot via the "Traffic Management 12123" app.
- Gathering documents: Vehicle license (行驶证), warning triangle, reflective vest, ID card (optional), and compulsory traffic insurance policy (optional).
Remark: If the vehicle is not registered under your name, you can first [register the non-owned motor vehicle] on the Traffic Management 12123 app to proceed with the booking.
Inspection Process
Upon arriving at the testing station, follow signs or staff guidance to drive directly to the inspection area. Staff will instruct you to park the vehicle and retrieve the warning triangle and reflective vest.
- Warning Triangle: Place it behind the vehicle.
- Reflective Vest: Hang it on the front passenger seat.
After completing these steps, go to the window to pay fees and collect the inspection slip. The fee is 220 RMB (prices may vary depending on the vehicle). Return to the inspection area, place the slip on the front passenger seat, and wait in the hall.
Waiting for Results
The waiting area features electronic screens displaying real-time inspection progress and status. Results typically take about one hour. Due to insufficient preparation, I lacked a reflective vest, causing the initial inspection of [Safety Devices] to fail. I immediately ordered a flash delivery to purchase a vest. Once received, I prepared for the re-inspection.
Vehicle Anomaly
After the initial inspection, when I started the car, the dashboard displayed a prompt: [Please Service ESC]. I was startled, fearing I had damaged the vehicle. After consulting AI, I learned this is normal behavior caused by RPM differences confusing the system. It resolved itself after driving for a short while.
Re-inspection
For the re-inspection, you must re-queue from the end, drive to the re-inspection zone, and hang the reflective vest on the front passenger seat while awaiting review.
You also need to submit the vehicle license again at the service window. Once the review is complete, the license will be stamped with "Inspection Passed" and display the next inspection date (e.g., 2028). At this point, the audit process concludes, and you can drive away.
Checking the Inspection Mark
Wait approximately one hour, then return to the "Traffic Management 12123" app. Navigate to [Electronic Documents - Electronic Vouchers - Inspection Mark Electronic Voucher] to view the latest qualified inspection mark.
Conclusion
This was my first annual inspection. Despite extensive online research, I still fell into traps involving documents, procedures, and queuing. Fortunately, I passed in the end. I recorded this "battlefield blood and tears" experience to warn friends in Chengdu driving similar cars: don't rush blindly like I did. Taking a moment to check these potential pitfalls beforehand can save a lot of wasted effort. Policies may change, so confirm details before going. Good luck with your inspection!