Is it no longer necessary to display insurance and annual inspection stickers on new cars?
3 Answers
Insurance and annual inspection stickers must be displayed, but the environmental inspection compliance sticker is no longer required. Previously, the vehicle inspection compliance sticker, compulsory insurance sticker, and environmental inspection compliance sticker were all mandatory and had to be neatly displayed on the front windshield. However, under the new regulations, the environmental inspection compliance sticker has been abolished, and only the vehicle inspection compliance sticker and compulsory insurance sticker need to be displayed. Below are the relevant details: 1. Penalties for not displaying the annual inspection sticker: 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 compliance sticker, a fine of 50 yuan and 1 demerit point will be imposed. In severe cases, the traffic management department of the public security organ shall detain the vehicle and notify the party to provide the corresponding license, sticker, or complete the necessary procedures. 2. Annual inspection: For vehicles within 6 years, the annual inspection sticker must be obtained from the vehicle management office every two years, or it can be applied for online. For vehicles over 6 years but under 10 years, the annual inspection frequency has been relaxed from once a year to once every two years, meaning only two on-site inspections are required within 10 years, specifically in the 6th and 8th years, effective from November 20, 2020. For vehicles over 10 years old, the annual inspection remains once a year. As for vehicles over 15 years old, a semi-annual inspection is required to ensure the vehicle meets roadworthiness standards.
As a new car owner, I've also paid attention to this issue. The policy has indeed changed now - for the first six years of a new car, there's no need to attach paper insurance and annual inspection stickers on the windshield. But be careful, this doesn't mean you can skip insurance or annual inspections! Compulsory traffic insurance is still mandatory by law - you'll be in big trouble if caught without it! As for annual inspections, new vehicles are exempt from physical inspections for the first 6 years, but you must apply for electronic inspection certificates online every two years. Everything has gone digital now - just install the 12123 App on your phone to check the status. No more worrying about stickers blocking your view while driving! I confirmed this at the DMV last week, and they recommended regularly checking insurance expiration dates and system notifications.
I've been driving for half my life and witnessed so many changes. In the past, car windows were always covered with stickers, but now with technological advancements, new cars don't need paper insurance and inspection stickers anymore. But don't get me wrong—the substance hasn't changed: compulsory traffic insurance must still be purchased on time, and although vehicles under six years are exempt from on-site inspections, you still need to apply for the electronic inspection mark. The digital process is incredibly convenient—my grandson bought a car and handled everything directly on his phone. However, a reminder: if your insurance expires or you neglect to apply for the inspection, fines and penalty points will still apply. Safety comes first when driving, so stay updated with official notices to avoid pitfalls.
