Do I Need to Display the 2021 Auto Insurance Sticker?
3 Answers
In 2021, vehicle insurance stickers no longer need to be displayed, only the annual inspection sticker is required. Related information: Electronic Policies: Several years ago, auto insurance policies were uniformly switched to electronic formats. Insurance companies no longer provide paper policies when selling auto insurance, instead issuing electronic policies. Moreover, the elimination of auto insurance stickers has been piloted in many cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shandong, Henan, Hubei, Shanxi, and Sichuan. In some areas, not only has the requirement to display auto insurance stickers been abolished, but insurers also no longer provide compulsory traffic insurance stickers when selling policies. Pilot Stage: The elimination of auto insurance stickers is still in the pilot stage and has not been implemented nationwide. Therefore, if this policy has not yet been implemented in your local area, vehicle owners must still display the insurance sticker as required. If you are unsure about local policies, it is best to consult the local vehicle management office, traffic police department, or insurance company for specific implementation details.
Speaking of whether to display the 2021 car insurance decal, I've personally experienced significant changes in this matter over my years of driving. I used to stick that compulsory traffic insurance decal on the windshield, but that year, with the policy pushing for digitalization, many major cities like Beijing and Shanghai abolished the mandatory decal requirement, switching to electronic versions instead. This is a fantastic idea—not only is it eco-friendly and saves paper, but there's also no worry about it peeling off or fading in the sun. When driving out, traffic police can scan a code with their devices to check records, so I just keep it in my phone app, like Ping An Insurance or the Traffic Management 12123 app, which both offer electronic version downloads. However, it's worth noting that some smaller cities or suburban areas might not have fully adopted this yet. I downloaded a PDF copy and keep it in my car's document folder as a backup, just in case. Overall, this reform has eliminated a lot of hassle, but for elderly drivers or those unfamiliar with smartphone operations, learning how to download electronic proof is crucial to avoid scrambling during inspections.
I've been driving for over twenty years and have witnessed the changes regarding the insurance decal requirement in 2021. Back then, the compulsory traffic insurance decal was basically no longer required to be affixed, as the government encouraged people to use electronic versions through apps for verification, replacing the traditional sticker method. This not only reduced windshield clutter but also made it easier for traffic police to verify directly through the vehicle license plate scanning system, minimizing misunderstandings and the risk of fines. Honestly, when driving to rural or remote areas, I still prefer to carry a printed copy or an electronic backup, as policy implementation isn't always uniform. Looking back, this digital transition has been quite sensible, making life easier for veteran drivers like me. However, it's a good reminder for everyone to regularly check their insurance validity to ensure it doesn't expire and affect safe driving.
