Is it necessary to display the annual vehicle inspection sticker?
3 Answers
It is necessary to display the annual vehicle inspection sticker. According to relevant regulations, vehicles on the road should affix the current year's inspection sticker in a visible position on the upper right corner of the front windshield. It is important to note that private cars exempt from inspection for 6 years need to collect the annual inspection sticker every 2 years, which can be obtained at the vehicle management office or traffic police station. Before the annual inspection, it is necessary to handle any traffic violations, and then bring the vehicle registration certificate, a copy of the compulsory traffic insurance policy, and the owner's ID card for the inspection. When handling compulsory traffic insurance for the vehicle, you can directly use the copy of the insurance policy to complete the exemption inspection procedures. The compulsory insurance also includes the record of the vehicle and vessel tax. Be careful not to leave the original document with the vehicle management office, as the original will be needed for future insurance claims.
As a veteran driver with over 20 years of experience, I've got some wisdom to share. Back in the day, those annual vehicle inspection stickers absolutely had to be displayed on the windshield – especially during the 1990s. If you didn't have it, the police would fine you on the spot. I still remember getting slapped with a 200-yuan fine once, which hurt like hell. Things have changed dramatically now. Since 2020 when China introduced digital inspection certificates, we no longer need to stick paper versions on our windshields. All the records are available electronically through the traffic police app, saving me from worrying about glue residue dirtying my glass. Even though physical stickers aren't required anymore, I still get my inspections done on time – safety is no joke. If your car has issues, not having a sticker will be the least of your problems. My advice? Keep your digital certificate handy to avoid scrambling during surprise traffic checks.
As a tech-savvy urban young adult who keeps up with new regulations, I can confidently say that physical annual inspection stickers for vehicles are no longer required. After the digitalization reform, everything has moved online and to mobile apps—for instance, you can display your inspection status by downloading the Traffic Management 12123 app. In the past, sticking those decals was not only a hassle but also obstructed visibility. A friend of mine once had glue melt from misaligned stickers under the sun, leaving a mess. Now, cameras automatically recognize license plates, and the system pulls up the data directly—how convenient! It’s also eco-friendly, reducing plastic waste. Just remember: while the sticker is gone, regular inspections are still mandatory to ensure brakes and lights are functional—that’s far more critical than a decal. Never compromise on road safety.
