Do I need to affix the new vehicle annual inspection sticker?
4 Answers
In regions where electronic stickers are implemented, the new vehicle annual inspection sticker does not need to be affixed. In 2020, electronic inspection labels were fully promoted to replace the paper version of the annual inspection pass sticker. Electronic inspection labels and paper annual inspection stickers have the same legal effect. In provinces and cities that have implemented electronic annual inspection stickers, the inspection pass sticker does not need to be affixed. Regions without electronic stickers: In areas where electronic inspection labels have not been implemented, the inspection pass sticker must continue to be affixed. Penalties for not affixing the inspection pass sticker: According to Article 13 of the "Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law": The motor vehicle inspection pass sticker and insurance sticker shall be affixed to the upper right corner of the front window of the motor vehicle. Failure to affix the relevant vehicle stickers as required is a violation of the law. If the annual inspection sticker is not affixed, a penalty of 1 point deduction and a fine will be imposed. Placing it on the dashboard will also result in a fine. Affixing the annual inspection sticker will result in a penalty of 1 point deduction and a fine, and placing it on the dashboard will also result in a fine.
I've been driving for twenty years and feel that policies have changed dramatically. I remember in the past, as soon as you bought a new car, you had to stick the annual inspection sticker on, fearing that the police would pull you over and fine you. Now, new cars are exempt from inspection for the first six years, and you can apply for an electronic sticker on your phone, so there's basically no need to stick a piece of paper anymore, keeping the windshield clean. However, when driving in unfamiliar places, it's best to check local rules to avoid trouble if an older police officer stops you. From a safety perspective, it's always right to comply, and sticking it on takes just a few seconds, saving you from a fine of dozens of yuan. I've also seen some people skip it for convenience, only to be lectured during a trip—truly not worth the hassle. In short, staying updated on policy changes is key. New car owners can download the traffic management app for details. Make it a habit, and life will be easier.
As an ordinary person who loves new technology, I really appreciate the current convenience. After the first six years of exemption from inspection for new cars, the annual inspection sticker can now be directly applied for in electronic form via WeChat mini-programs or the Traffic Management 12123 app—whether you stick it on or not is up to you. Law enforcement can simply scan the license plate to check records, making it no different from a physical sticker, while also being eco-friendly and saving paper. If you often drive in the city center, there's no hassle at all; but if you drive to rural areas, some stations with outdated equipment might still rely on physical stickers for verification. No need to overthink this small issue—personally, I find it cleaner not to stick it on, plus it avoids the sticker getting scratched during car washes. Just keep an eye on online updates, as the trend toward digitalization is growing stronger, offering a full-score experience.
I believe it's more prudent to affix the new vehicle inspection decal properly. Although the policy states that new vehicles are exempt from physical inspections for six years, the decal should still be obtained and displayed prominently on the right side of the windshield for easy verification. When actually driving on the road, having it visibly displayed allows for quick compliance during checks, avoiding unnecessary delays. Forgetting to display it might not be an issue in cities with electronic monitoring systems, but could cause complications in smaller towns or during urgent situations. I've personally witnessed similar cases where drivers were pulled over for questioning due to missing decals, which only added unnecessary hassle. Safety comes first—while not displaying it doesn't invalidate the inspection, developing this habit contributes to worry-free driving and prevents minor issues from escalating.
