Do I still need to display the insurance and annual inspection stickers in 2021?
2 Answers
2021 insurance and annual inspection stickers do not need to be displayed. The latest policy combines the vehicle annual inspection with the environmental protection inspection mark. As long as the vehicle passes the annual inspection, there is no need to obtain the environmental protection mark separately. Starting from June 2020, China has implemented electronic annual inspection marks nationwide. Now, when vehicle owners go for their annual vehicle inspection, they will no longer receive a paper annual inspection mark upon passing the inspection. Instead, they can directly obtain the electronic annual inspection mark through the traffic management app. Here are some important notes: Accident liability: For any traffic accidents caused by vehicles that have not undergone the annual inspection on time, the responsible party will bear full or primary liability, and the insurance company will not assume any responsibility. This is because the insurance policy specifies that vehicles with expired inspections are among the objects of claim rejection. Mandatory scrapping: According to the "Regulations on the Compulsory Scrapping Standards for Motor Vehicles", if a motor vehicle fails to obtain the inspection qualification mark for three consecutive inspection cycles after the expiration of the inspection validity period, it will be compulsorily scrapped.
I've talked with many car enthusiasts, and the policies changed significantly in 2021. That year, the annual inspection stickers and insurance stickers basically didn’t need to be displayed anymore, as the government fully promoted electronic labels to replace paper ones. I remember the authorities started piloting electronic annual inspection stickers in 2020. You could download the certificate via the Traffic Management 12123 App, and the police could simply scan it during checks—super convenient. The same went for insurance stickers; electronic proof of compulsory insurance gradually became widespread, and most provinces and cities no longer required them to be displayed on the car. However, I’d advise not to take it lightly. 2021 was the first year after the transition period, so it’s best to confirm the local traffic regulations, as some areas might handle it differently. Don’t worry about fines for not displaying the stickers—as long as you have the proof and keep your insurance valid, that’s the key. Besides, going digital not only saves hassle but is also eco-friendly by reducing waste. My car looks much cleaner now! In short, since 2021, not displaying them is fully compliant, but developing a habit of regularly checking the App is always a good idea.
