Do I still need to display the 2021 vehicle inspection sticker?
3 Answers
In 2021, physical vehicle inspection stickers are no longer required to be displayed, but an electronic version of the inspection certificate must be provided. Detailed explanation: Since June 20, 2020, electronic vehicle inspection certificates have been implemented nationwide in China. The electronic inspection certificates are issued through the unified national internet traffic safety service platform, making the application, presentation, and use of vehicle inspection certificates more convenient. According to the "Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China": 1. License plates must be displayed in designated positions: Vehicle license plates must be displayed at the designated positions on the front and rear of the vehicle, kept clear and intact. Heavy and medium-duty trucks and their trailers, tractors and their trailers must have enlarged license plate numbers painted on the rear of the body or carriage, with characters upright and clearly visible. 2. Labels must not affect safe driving: Vehicle inspection certificates and insurance labels should be affixed to the upper right corner of the front windshield. Any painting, labels, or body advertisements on the vehicle must not affect safe driving.
Last time I went for the vehicle inspection, I specifically asked about this. The staff told me that electronic labels are now implemented nationwide, so there's no need to stick that paper anymore. Just apply for the electronic certificate on the Traffic Management 12123 APP, and you can directly show your phone when inspected. However, it's recommended to download and save it in advance, as it might not load in areas with poor signals. After my car passed the inspection last year, I removed the old label, and the windshield looks much cleaner. I haven't had any issues when stopped by traffic police on the road. But be careful: if the annual inspection expires or you haven't applied for the electronic label, you'll still be fined if caught. It's advisable for everyone to check the status on the APP before the annual inspection for peace of mind.
Last year when I got my vehicle inspected, I paid special attention to this matter. Now there's only the insurance label left among the three stickers on the windshield, as the annual inspection and environmental labels have gone digital. A friend at the traffic management office said electronic certificates have the same legal validity as paper labels, and you can drive nationwide with just your phone. Here's a handy tip: It's best to save a screenshot of the inspection label in the 12123 app on your phone, so you won't be embarrassed if you can't load the webpage in parking lots or rural areas with poor signal. Also, friends who just bought used cars should remember to ask the previous owner to transfer the electronic labels to avoid any handover issues. Overall, this policy is really convenient, and the windshield finally looks clean.
