Do new cars need to display annual inspection and compulsory insurance stickers?
3 Answers
Whether to display annual inspection and compulsory insurance stickers depends on the specific situation. In regions where electronic insurance policies have been implemented, the compulsory insurance sticker is no longer required. As for the annual inspection sticker, it has been fully digitized since 2020 and replaced by electronic inspection qualification certificates, so the annual inspection sticker is no longer necessary. Vehicle inspection cycles: 1. Small and micro non-operational passenger vehicles: Inspection every 2 years within the first 6 years. After 6 years, annual inspection is required. After 15 years, inspection every 6 months is required; 2. Operational passenger vehicles: Annual inspection within the first 5 years. After 5 years, inspection every 6 months is required; 3. Trucks and large, medium-sized non-operational passenger vehicles: Annual inspection within the first 10 years. After 10 years, inspection every 6 months is required.
When I first bought my new car, I was really confused about this. I called the sales guy to clarify. For the first few years of a new car, you generally don’t need to display the annual inspection sticker, as many places now use digital inspection records, which is much more convenient. However, the compulsory insurance sticker must definitely be placed on the upper right corner of the windshield. The law requires all vehicles to have a compulsory traffic insurance identifier; otherwise, you could be fined 200 yuan and even get points deducted if caught by traffic police. I quickly went to the insurance company to get the insurance and the sticker to avoid any trouble. It also gives me peace of mind when driving. I recommend new car owners handle this right after picking up their car to avoid any violations and extra hassles.
With over a decade of driving experience and countless car changes, I recall the early days when stickers were plastered everywhere, obstructing the view. Now, policies have simplified things—new cars are exempt from on-site annual inspections for the first six years, and the annual inspection mark is no longer required to be displayed. However, electronic records are automatically stored in the system. The only mandatory sticker that still needs to be manually affixed is the compulsory insurance decal, as traffic police need a physical proof for on-site checks. I always advise friends to promptly obtain their insurance and securely attach the sticker without blocking visibility to avoid fines. Though it’s a bit of a hassle, safety comes first—don’t risk major consequences for minor conveniences.
