Does Car Decal Affect Annual Inspection?
2 Answers
As long as the decal on the vehicle does not exceed 30% of the body area, it will not affect the annual inspection of the vehicle. Types of Decals: Car decals are divided into various types, including sports-style sticker decals, sticker-type decals, modification decals, personalized decals, exclusive car sticker decals, and full-body sticker decals. However, it should be noted that vehicle decals must not exceed 30% of the body area; otherwise, the vehicle's registration certificate needs to be updated. Relevant Regulations: If the vehicle has a small amount of decals, they do not need to be removed. If the decals cover more than 3/4 of the body surface area, they must be removed; otherwise, the vehicle will not pass the annual inspection. Many people prefer personalized car stickers, and the police adopt a relatively lenient attitude during the annual inspection. If the decals exceed 2/3 of the body surface, it is considered an illegal act of arbitrarily changing the vehicle's color and appearance. Annual Inspection Purpose: To check whether the engine, chassis, body, and auxiliary equipment are clean, complete, and functional, whether the car paint is symmetrical and aesthetically pleasing, whether major general processes have been replaced, and whether they match the initial inspection records. To check whether the vehicle's braking performance, turning maneuverability, lights, exhaust pipes, and other safety factors comply with the requirements of the "Technical Conditions for Safe Operation of Motor Vehicles." To check whether the vehicle has been modified, altered, or transformed, whether all records such as the vehicle registration certificate, license plate, and vehicle files match the current condition of the vehicle, whether there are any changes, and whether the application for approval, alteration, or modification procedures has been processed. To check whether the license plate printed on the vehicle, the vehicle registration certificate, and the enlarged license plate characters are damaged or illegible, and whether they need to be replaced.
I've been driving for twenty years and have seen many friends apply decals to their car bodies, which can indeed cause issues during annual inspections. The main reason is that traffic regulations have strict requirements on vehicle appearance. If the decals cover the body color or obstruct lights and reflective markers—for example, applying large bright stickers on the rear that affect reverse light visibility—the inspector will directly fail the vehicle. I recommend checking local DMV standards before applying decals. Usually, minor decorations are allowed, but if they cover more than 30% of the body area, you’ll need to register a color change. Also, avoid commercial decals like promotional logos, as they may be considered illegal modifications. Safety first—I once encountered a case where overly flashy decals reduced nighttime visibility, leading to fines and costly repairs. In short, consult professionals before applying decals to avoid inspection hassles.
