Is it necessary to affix the annual inspection sticker on motor vehicles?
3 Answers
Motor vehicles are required to affix the annual inspection sticker. Exemption from inspection does not mean complete exemption from inspection, but rather eliminates the need for on-site testing. Vehicle owners still need to apply for the inspection sticker every 2 years and affix it as required. The motor vehicle inspection compliance sticker and insurance sticker should be affixed to the upper right corner of the vehicle's front windshield. Failure to affix the relevant vehicle stickers as required is illegal. Vehicle annual inspection refers to the mandatory testing for every vehicle that has obtained an official license plate and registration certificate. It is equivalent to an annual 'physical examination' for the vehicle based on the safety technical requirements for motor vehicle operation, aiming to promptly eliminate potential safety hazards, encourage enhanced vehicle maintenance, and reduce the occurrence of traffic accidents.
I bought a new car last year and specifically inquired about this at the DMV. Now electronic annual inspection labels are being promoted nationwide, so there's no need to stick paper labels on the windshield anymore. Once, I drove a friend's older car out of town, and he was worried about being checked for not having the label. It turned out the traffic police could directly scan the electronic license plate to see the inspection information. However, it's important to note the differences: for new cars within six years, you only need to apply for an electronic label every two years, but for cars older than six years, an annual inspection is required. Remember to check the status of your electronic label on the Traffic Management 12123 APP promptly—if it expires and you're caught on camera, you'll still face points deduction and fines. The adhesive marks left by windshield labels are particularly hard to remove; I usually use mentholatum oil to slowly wipe them off.
Long-haul drivers have the most say. Last month at a highway rest stop, I met a truck driver who said traffic police enforcement terminals can now check annual inspection info online, and a clean windshield actually improves visibility. But he noted two key points: First, while paper stickers aren't needed, you must complete the procedures three months before the inspection expires. Second, when transferring a used car's ownership, verify the previous owner completed the electronic transfer. My neighbor learned this the hard way - after buying a used Alto without checking the e-tags, he discovered the previous owner hadn't inspected it for two years and had to pay over 800 yuan in late fees.
