Is it no longer necessary to display the annual inspection sticker on vehicles?
2 Answers
As of July 5, 2021, it is no longer required to display the annual vehicle inspection sticker. Vehicle owners can apply for, view, and use the electronic version of the motor vehicle inspection certificate on the internet traffic safety comprehensive service platform. For vehicles that have already obtained the electronic inspection certificate, there is no need to affix the paper sticker. Traffic police will check the vehicle inspection status through law enforcement terminals during traffic management. Additional information: Exemption scope: The exemption range for motor vehicles has been expanded from non-operational small and micro passenger vehicles with 6 seats or fewer to those with 7-9 seats. This means that after November 20, non-operational small and micro passenger vehicles with 7-9 seats that are under 6 years old will be eligible for the exemption policy. Inspection cycle: Vehicles exempt from inspection do not require an annual inspection for the first 6 years. From years 6 to 10, inspections are required every 2 years, meaning the inspection frequency for vehicles aged 6-10 has been changed from annual to biennial. Under the new regulations, exempt vehicles will only need to undergo 2 inspections within the first 10 years, specifically in the 8th and 10th years.
As a veteran driver with over a decade of experience, I've personally witnessed the evolution of annual inspection decals. In the past, windshields were cluttered with paper stickers that were difficult to remove and obstructed visibility. Now, with policy updates since 2020, many regions have adopted electronic inspection badges, eliminating the need for physical stickers. After completing your annual inspection, simply download the electronic certificate via the Traffic Management 12123 App. During traffic stops, showing a screenshot on your phone suffices for police verification. However, remember that timely inspections are still mandatory—only the format has become more convenient. This eco-friendly reform keeps cars cleaner, but I recommend saving your digital certificate securely and keeping a printed backup in case of phone issues. Also, note that inspection records update automatically in the system backend, so stay vigilant about deadlines.