Is it necessary to display the annual vehicle inspection sticker?
3 Answers
It is mandatory to display the annual vehicle inspection sticker on your vehicle. Failure to do so may result in random checks, fines, or even vehicle impoundment. The environmental protection label has now been abolished, as it has been merged with the annual inspection label. Not displaying the inspection sticker is considered a traffic violation, so it must be affixed. Additional Information: Vehicle Annual Inspection: This refers to a mandatory inspection for all vehicles that have obtained official license plates and registration certificates. It is equivalent to an annual physical examination for the vehicle according to the "Technical Conditions for Motor Vehicle Operation Safety." The vehicle annual inspection helps promptly eliminate potential safety hazards, encourages better vehicle maintenance, and reduces the occurrence of traffic accidents. Below are the specific requirements: 1. The upper right corner of the vehicle's front windshield must display not only the annual inspection pass label but also the environmental protection label and insurance label; 2. According to the "Road Traffic Safety Law," all vehicles on the road must display the current year's inspection label in a visible position on the upper right corner of the front window. Vehicles that fail to properly display the annual inspection pass label will be penalized with 1 demerit point and a fine of 50 yuan.
I used to always have to stick the annual inspection sticker on my car, worried that an empty windshield would get me pulled over by traffic police. But in 2020, the policy changed significantly—now it's all electronic, and you don't need to stick anything. You can just download the Traffic Management 12123 app to check your inspection info, which is much more convenient. The police can scan your license plate with their devices to instantly know your inspection status—faster and more accurate than checking a sticker. The benefits include a cleaner windshield without clutter, unobstructed visibility, and safer, more confident driving. It’s also better for the environment, reducing waste. I recommend car owners regularly update their info in the app, forget about old stickers, and enjoy the hassle-free convenience while preventing minor issues.
When I bought my first car, I naively wondered how to put on the inspection sticker, only to find out it had already gone digital. The policy has been in place for two years, and it’s now standardized nationwide. The traffic management system automatically stores annual inspection data, making it easy for traffic police to check with just a glance. No need for a physical sticker, saving the hassle of peeling or weathering. Just open the app to check the status. This is especially user-friendly for new drivers—one less step, one less worry. I also think digitalization keeps the car’s exterior cleaner, avoids obstructing windshield visibility, and makes daily driving much smoother. Just remember to regularly check the app for updates to avoid issues with expired tags.
