Do I still need to display the 2021 vehicle inspection sticker?

[Palacios]

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.

[DeAmara]

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.

[LeLuna]

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.

[Jesse]

Just helped my dad with his car's annual inspection a few days ago, and now there's really no need for physical stickers. There are three key points: first, electronic labels are recognized nationwide; second, they must be applied for through the Traffic Management 12123 app; third, the electronic label is only valid for the current year. The actual process was quite simple—I helped my dad click 'Apply for Inspection-Exempt Vehicle Label' in the app, filled in the license plate and engine number, waited for approval, and received an SMS link to the electronic label within half an hour. However, I'd like to remind drivers who are used to the old method that if they don't have a smartphone or don't know how to operate it, they still need to go to the counter to get a paper version.

[JamesonAnn]

As a long-distance driver, I have personally experienced these changes. Starting from the year before last, some cities began piloting electronic labels, and by 2021, they were fully implemented nationwide. Now, driving across provinces no longer confuses me with different regional policies. The key is to properly bind your traffic management 12123 account, as the electronic labels are automatically updated after each annual inspection. During roadside checks, I usually open the app in advance, but traffic police can generally access the records online. A tip for new drivers: if the electronic label system shows an anomaly, first try syncing data on 12123 before rushing to offline services for a reprint, to avoid unnecessary trips.

[MacAlan]

As a veteran driver with thirty years of experience, I've witnessed the transition of annual inspection stickers from paper to digital. Now, storing the QR code of the electronic sticker in my phone is much more convenient than sticking it on the windshield. One detail to note: the electronic sticker system occasionally undergoes updates and maintenance, so it's best to keep a screenshot version in your photo album as a backup during those days. Additionally, when renting or lending your car to someone else, remember to send them the inspection screenshot to avoid being delayed by traffic police checks. Although physical stickers are no longer needed, never forget your annual vehicle inspection date—the reminder feature in the app is quite practical.