Is it necessary to display insurance decals on vehicles?
2 Answers
After the official launch of electronic auto insurance policies, insurance decals no longer need to be displayed, but currently, they still need to be affixed. Below is relevant information: 1. Compulsory Traffic Insurance (CTI): Starting from 2018, some regions have abolished the requirement for CTI decals, meaning that only the annual inspection decal is necessary. However, this policy is currently only being piloted in Beijing. Although the CTI decal has been eliminated, this only means replacing the physical decal with an electronic policy—CTI coverage is still mandatory. 2. Electronic Auto Insurance Policies: After the official implementation of electronic auto insurance policies, vehicle owners in Shenzhen who have purchased CTI will automatically have their insurance status verified by traffic police through license plate recognition during roadside checks, accident handling, vehicle registration, or when obtaining the periodic inspection certificate. If the insurance status is valid, they can directly benefit from the convenience provided by the traffic police.
Having driven for over a decade, I truly believe that displaying the insurance decal on your car is essential—not just because it's legally required, but also for your own safety. Back in the day, failing to display it would often get you pulled over by traffic police for inspection. Nowadays, some regions have started using electronic insurance policies, but sticking on the decal still saves a lot of hassle. Specifically, in most cities, insurance includes compulsory traffic insurance, and that little label must be placed on the upper right corner of the windshield to prove you're insured before hitting the road. If you forget to display it, the police can fine you and deduct points, leading to a heap of trouble. In case of an accident, not having the insurance decal can make the claims process time-consuming, and you might even get denied coverage. So, from my personal experience, I always stick it on right after renewing my policy and double-check that it's secure to avoid it falling off while driving. In short, don’t skimp on this step—following the rules ensures safety, peace of mind, and avoids unnecessary misunderstandings.
