Is it no longer necessary to display the annual inspection sticker for household vehicles?
4 Answers
Household vehicles no longer need to display the annual inspection sticker. To make things more convenient for the public, paper certificates will be reduced, eliminating the hassle of affixing (or removing) inspection stickers, making it easier to display and use them via mobile phones or other methods. Electronic Certificate: For application, when handling vehicle registration or issuing inspection certificates, the traffic management department of the public security authority will automatically generate and push the electronic inspection certificate through the information system. Vehicle owners can log in to the Internet-based traffic safety comprehensive service platform or the "Traffic Management 12123" mobile app to directly view and download the certificate. For Vehicles Exempt from Inspection Within 6 Years: For vehicles exempt from inspection within 6 years, the electronic inspection certificate can be directly applied for online. If the paper inspection certificate is lost or damaged, there is no need to apply for a replacement. It can be directly downloaded and used online. If a paper inspection certificate is needed, owners can choose to have it delivered by mail or pick it up at the vehicle management office.
It's so much more convenient now! I no longer need to stick the annual inspection sticker on the windshield of my old car, as I recently checked the electronic version on the 12123 app. Actually, this is a new nationwide policy where the system automatically generates an electronic certificate after a private vehicle passes the inspection. During traffic police checks, you can simply show the code on your phone. I specifically checked the regulations—electronic stickers hold the same legal validity as paper ones, so no more worries about misaligned stickers obstructing the view. But I must remind my friends: even though physical stickers aren’t required, the vehicle inspection itself must still be done on time. I check the app every month to ensure the electronic sticker is valid, because getting caught without an inspection still means a 200-yuan fine and 3 demerit points.
A couple of years ago when buying a car, I still saw experienced drivers sticking annual inspection stickers on their windshields, but last year the policy was reformed. Now when driving out, there's no need to attach any paper-based labels, keeping the entire front windshield clean and tidy. The traffic management bureau's promotion of digitization is indeed user-friendly, as electronic codes are automatically generated and stored in the system after the annual inspection. However, there are a few points to note: annual inspections must be done on time, and failure to do so may result in penalty points and fines; during roadside checks, you should know how to operate the Traffic Management 12123 APP—I taught my elderly family members to save screenshots of the electronic labels in advance; when driving in another province, make sure the system is connected and searchable—last week when traveling out of province, I prepared screenshots on my phone for peace of mind.
This change has actually been implemented since 2020. Currently, private car windshields no longer require any inspection stickers, as everything has been digitized. According to the policy, traffic police can check the annual inspection status by scanning the license plate with mobile terminals during inspections, and car owners should also verify their electronic certificates on the Traffic Management 12123 app. However, don't misunderstand: although paper stickers are no longer required, the obligation for vehicle annual inspections has not been canceled. My neighbor was fined last month for neglecting the inspection deadline, and their modified car lights failed the inspection due to unregistered modifications. It's advisable to develop a habit of regular checks to avoid having your vehicle blacklisted.
