Is it necessary to remove car stickers for annual inspection?
3 Answers
Car stickers that do not exceed 30% of the vehicle's body area can pass the annual inspection. If they exceed 30% of the body area, the inspection will fail, and some stickers must be removed. Vehicle annual inspection refers to a mandatory test for every vehicle that has obtained an official license plate and registration certificate, equivalent to an annual physical examination for the vehicle according to the technical conditions for safe operation of motor vehicles. The main inspection items include: 1. Checking whether the engine, chassis, body, and their accessories are clean, complete, and effective, whether the paint surface is uniform and aesthetically pleasing, whether major assemblies have been replaced, and whether they match the initial inspection records; 2. Testing whether the vehicle's braking performance, steering control, lighting, exhaust, and other safety performance meet the technical requirements for safe operation of motor vehicles; 3. Verifying whether the vehicle has been modified, altered, or reconstructed, and whether the registration details on the driving license, license plate, and vehicle records match the actual condition of the vehicle, including any changes, and whether approval and modification procedures have been completed.
You definitely need to remove the old annual vehicle inspection sticker. The windshield has limited space, and if you leave a pile of old stickers, the new one won't adhere properly and will obstruct your view. With over a decade of driving experience, I always remove the old sticker immediately after the inspection. Using a hairdryer to slightly heat the adhesive makes it easier to peel off cleanly without residue. If you're lazy about it, accumulated stickers may bubble or peel off in summer heat, and sunlight refraction can create dangerous ghosting effects while driving. Once, a friend didn't remove old stickers, and their windshield was full of reflections on the highway, nearly causing a collision with the guardrail. Safety comes first—inspection agencies emphasize clearing old stickers before applying new ones to ensure clear visibility and prevent accidents. Make it a habit; five minutes of effort brings peace of mind and safety. Never cut corners and risk potential hazards.
It is legally required to remove old inspection stickers after a vehicle's annual check, as traffic regulations clearly mandate that windshields only display currently valid decals to avoid confusion or obstruction. I know car owners who forgot to remove old stickers and were fined, because stacked stickers can obscure new inspection information, resulting in violations. The process is simple: during the annual inspection, staff usually remind you to remove the old sticker before applying the new one. If doing it yourself, using alcohol wipes makes removing old adhesive quicker. Leaving old stickers on can lead to dust buildup, causing poor adhesion—wind might blow off loose stickers while driving, creating more hassle. The proper procedure is to remove the old and apply the new to ensure accurate, compliant information. Neglecting this small task may prompt police checks, wasting time and money. Following the rules keeps everyone safe and hassle-free.
