Is it no longer necessary to display the insurance decal?
4 Answers
Whether the insurance decal needs to be displayed depends on the specific city. Currently, only some cities in China, such as Beijing, Guangdong, Jiangxi, Hubei, Guizhou, and Shanghai, have gradually introduced electronic insurance policies. After implementation, car owners will no longer need paper insurance policies for annual inspections, claims, and other related procedures, nor will they need to display the compulsory traffic insurance decal in their vehicles. In case of an accident, even without the compulsory traffic insurance policy, it's not a problem, as the traffic police can check the details through their system. The insurance decal is one of the important indicators to confirm whether a vehicle has compulsory traffic insurance, with a unified design nationwide. It is usually displayed on the windshield of the vehicle, serving as proof of participation in the compulsory third-party liability insurance for motor vehicles.
I remember a few years ago when driving, I had to specifically go and get that small insurance sticker to place on the corner of the windshield, always checking to make sure it didn't fall off or become illegible. But now it's completely different. With the government promoting electronic insurance policies, most regions across the country no longer require that paper sticker. Using apps on your phone, like the insurance company's mini-program or the traffic management app 12123, you can directly display the electronic proof. Traffic police can verify it by scanning the QR code or license plate during checks, which is super convenient. It's not only handy but also eco-friendly, reducing the risk of obstructed vision from stickers while driving. However, some remote areas might still require keeping a paper backup in case your phone runs out of battery or has poor signal. Overall, this change has significantly improved the driving experience, eliminating the hassle of dealing with stickers.
Nowadays, who bothers with those little insurance stickers after buying a car? Most cities have already gone digital—just download the insurance company's app or traffic management platform on your phone. If you're pulled over, simply scan the QR code, and all the information pops up instantly. It’s so much more convenient—no need to worry about when or where to replace the sticker, and it saves paper waste too. As far as I know, the law has also been updated to explicitly recognize electronic proof as valid documentation. Of course, it’s best to keep a backup of the electronic file in the cloud or email for double security, just in case of emergencies. Overall, the era of stickers is over. In the future, everything will probably be handled via smart terminals. With life moving so fast, who has time for that hassle?
Regarding the issue of displaying insurance decals, the current situation is that most regions no longer mandate the use of physical stickers, shifting instead to electronic verification methods. This change aligns with digital trends, such as displaying electronic insurance policies through mobile apps or telematics systems, allowing traffic police to verify insurance status by scanning license plates with their devices. This approach reduces material costs and environmental pressure while also mitigating the risks of counterfeit and fraud. From a legal perspective, local regulations have been updated to recognize the validity of electronic proofs, but vehicle owners must ensure their devices are reliable. It is advisable to regularly update apps and stay informed about local policies to prepare for any contingencies.
