
Some regions do not require a compulsory traffic insurance policy for vehicle inspection, while others do. It is advisable to check the local policies in your area to determine whether a paper copy of the compulsory traffic insurance policy is needed. Since vehicle inspection policies vary across regions, car owners are recommended to print out the electronic policy or call the local vehicle management office hotline before the inspection to avoid any inconvenience. Below is a basic introduction to compulsory traffic insurance: 1. The full name of compulsory traffic insurance is "Compulsory Motor Vehicle Traffic Accident Liability Insurance," which is a mandatory liability insurance provided by insurance companies to compensate victims (excluding passengers and the insured) for personal injury, death, or property damage caused by road traffic accidents involving the insured vehicle, within the liability limits. 2. Compulsory traffic insurance is China's first mandatory insurance system implemented under national law. The premiums follow a nationally unified standard set by the government, but the prices vary depending on the vehicle model, with the main influencing factor being the "number of car seats."

Last year when I had my vehicle inspected, bringing a copy of the compulsory traffic insurance policy was mandatory—otherwise, the DMV wouldn’t process it at all. Nowadays, most places allow electronic policies, such as storing them on your phone and displaying them directly via Alipay or insurance apps, but it’s wise to print a backup just in case—some remote inspection stations have outdated equipment that might glitch. Compulsory insurance is legally required to protect everyone on the road. If you lack it, your inspection will instantly fail, and you risk fines. Personally, I make a habit of checking my policy’s validity annually and renewing it promptly if expired to avoid delays. Bottom line: having your policy ready is basic common sense—don’t cut corners.

Now when I go for my vehicle inspection, I just open the electronic insurance policy on my phone and scan the code to pass instantly, saving a lot of hassle. Technology has upgraded, and the DMV system also supports electronic verification. But don't assume it's equally smooth everywhere—it's fine in big cities, but in small counties, sometimes the signal is poor or the equipment is outdated, so bringing a photocopy is a safer bet. Compulsory traffic insurance is mandatory; without the policy, you can't get your car inspected and may even face fines. I like to confirm that the information is clear on the insurance app in advance to avoid frustration. If you forget to bring the electronic version, you can still print it on-site, but don't waste time and ruin your mood.

Last time I went for my vehicle inspection, I forgot to bring the compulsory traffic insurance policy and ended up wasting a whole day, which made me extremely anxious. Now I know you must bring either a copy or the original electronic version of the policy, otherwise the DMV will outright reject the inspection. This is a basic rule because the compulsory insurance proves the vehicle is properly insured, protecting everyone's safety. I recommend checking the policy date at least a week in advance—if it's expired, you'll have to repurchase it, which is both costly and troublesome. Keep the electronic policy saved on your phone, and it's best to take a screenshot as a backup for quick access. In short, going without the policy is like playing with fire.

Bringing the compulsory traffic insurance policy for the annual vehicle inspection is my standard practice, as safety comes first for family cars. The policy can be a photocopy or digital version—nowadays, it's easy to display via mobile apps, saving the hassle of rummaging through drawers for paper copies. However, make sure the image is clear, as the DMV sometimes checks the details carefully. Missing the policy will halt the inspection immediately, wasting a whole day and disrupting school pickups for the kids. I recommend renewing the insurance early each year and keeping an electronic copy—it's both eco-friendly and efficient.


