Is it necessary to display the annual vehicle inspection sticker now?
4 Answers
After June 2020, following a pilot period, the electronic version of the vehicle inspection qualification mark has been implemented nationwide. Currently, it is no longer required to display the annual vehicle inspection sticker. Regulations regarding the annual inspection mark: Electronic annual inspection mark: The electronic version of the annual inspection mark has been rolled out nationwide. Now, when vehicle owners go for their annual inspection, they will not receive a paper inspection mark upon passing the inspection. Instead, they can directly obtain the electronic version of the annual inspection mark on the Traffic Management 12123 platform. 2021 annual inspection mark new regulations: The latest policy combines the vehicle annual inspection with the environmental protection inspection mark. As long as the vehicle passes the annual inspection, there is no need to obtain a separate environmental protection mark. Equal validity: The electronic inspection mark and the paper mark have the same legal effect. Vehicles that have obtained the electronic inspection mark do not need to display the paper mark. Traffic police will check the vehicle inspection status through law enforcement terminals during traffic management. Penalties for not having the annual inspection mark during checks: According to Article 95 of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China, if a motor vehicle is driven on the road without displaying the inspection qualification mark, the driver may be fined 50 yuan and have 1 point deducted from their license. In severe cases, the public security traffic management department has the authority to impound the vehicle and notify the party involved to provide the corresponding license, mark, or complete the necessary procedures.
I remember last year during the vehicle inspection, the staff clearly told me that paper inspection stickers are no longer required now. In the past, the windshield was covered with colorful stickers, and it was a hassle to clean off the adhesive marks. Now, electronic stickers are being implemented nationwide. You just need to apply for an electronic certificate on the Traffic Management 12123 APP, and when stopped by traffic police, simply show it on your phone. However, remember to complete the inspection within three months before the expiration date, otherwise the electronic sticker will become invalid. Once, I was stopped by the police without my phone, but the officer checked the license plate with a handheld device and it showed that the inspection was up to date. The current system is really much more convenient.
A few days ago, my neighbor asked me whether she should stick the annual inspection sticker on her car window, as she just bought a new car and was particularly nervous about these things. I told her that traffic regulations have changed now, and only the compulsory traffic insurance label is required on the windshield. The annual inspection label has been digitized and can be stored on the phone. In the 'Traffic Management 12123' APP, you can find the electronic inspection certificate by clicking on 'Vehicle Services'. However, it's important to note that transitional policies may vary in some regions. For example, when Jiangsu first implemented this in 2020, there was a six-month grace period. Now it's unified nationwide. It's best to develop a good habit of regularly checking the APP to avoid regrets over fines due to expiration.
As a veteran driver with 15 years of experience, I particularly appreciate the current vehicle inspection reforms. In the past, replacing the stickers was not only troublesome but also left adhesive marks after summer sun exposure. Now, driving long distances is completely stress-free as the nationwide online system automatically updates the inspection status. As long as you ensure timely on-site testing, electronic records are synchronized in real-time with the traffic police system. Some friends worry about whether paper tags would be checked in other provinces, but last year I drove through seven or eight provinces without ever being asked to show paper documentation. Just remember to keep the electronic receipt from the inspection station.
