Can You Drive Without the Annual Inspection Sticker?
3 Answers
Driving without the annual inspection sticker is not allowed. Vehicles with damaged or missing annual inspection stickers will be penalized by traffic police if found driving on the road. If the annual inspection sticker is lost, the vehicle owner can apply for a replacement at the vehicle inspection station by presenting the vehicle's registration certificate, the owner's original ID card, and a copy. The vehicle annual inspection process includes: 1. Drive the vehicle to the nearest inspection station; 2. Undergo a vehicle appearance check, cooperate with the staff to fill out the motor vehicle appearance registration form, and take photos; 3. Information registration; 4. Conduct online vehicle inspection: emission test, speedometer test, brake test, lighting test, side slip test, chassis test; 5. Collect the inspection pass sticker and affix it to the upper right corner of the front windshield.
I've been driving on the road for nearly twenty years, and this question often comes up. It's absolutely not allowed to drive without the annual inspection sticker – that's a hard requirement of traffic regulations. Traffic police can check your vehicle at any time, and not displaying the sticker will result in a fine ranging from 200 to 1,000 yuan, or even points deducted. If an accident occurs, the insurance company may refuse to compensate because the vehicle hasn't passed the regular inspection, posing safety risks. You should immediately bring your vehicle registration and ID card to the local DMV to get a replacement; the fee is just a few dozen yuan, and it's quick to handle. Alternatively, you can apply for an electronic version of the sticker via the Traffic Management 12123 App, which is convenient and hassle-free. I usually recommend making a copy of the sticker to keep in the car just in case – safety comes first, and it's not worth risking big trouble to save a little hassle. After so many years of driving, I've seen too many cases where small oversights lead to major losses, so developing good habits is crucial.
Hey, as a friend, I'd advise you not to rush out driving. Driving without the annual inspection sticker is a big no-no – it proves your vehicle has passed safety checks, and you can't do without it. If you get stopped by traffic police, it's not just about fines and points; it could affect your future insurance premiums. More importantly, if there are actual issues with your car, like brake failure or excessive emissions, an accident on the road would leave you with regrets. Hurry up and get a replacement – it takes just a few minutes on the app or at the nearby DMV. While you're at it, check your car's condition, like tires and lights, to ensure overall safety. Don't forget to take a photo and keep an electronic backup – prevention is better than cure. Driving is all about getting home safely. This is how I usually handle things – never let small issues turn into big ones.
