Is it possible not to display the annual inspection sticker?
3 Answers
The annual inspection sticker must be displayed. The annual inspection compliance sticker and the compulsory motor vehicle insurance sticker need to be affixed to the upper right corner of the front windshield. Failure to display the annual inspection sticker may result in penalties. Vehicle annual inspection is a mandatory test for all vehicles that have obtained official license plates and registration certificates, meaning each vehicle must undergo an annual safety inspection according to the technical conditions for safe operation. Vehicle annual inspections help promptly eliminate potential safety hazards, encourage enhanced vehicle maintenance, and reduce the occurrence of traffic accidents. According to regulations issued by the Ministry of Public Security and the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine, starting from September 1, 2014, non-commercial passenger vehicles and other small and mini passenger vehicles (excluding vans and vehicles with 7 seats or more) within 6 years of initial registration are eligible for an exemption from inspection.
You absolutely must not mess around with the annual inspection sticker and fail to display it. From my decades of driving experience, in the past, if you didn't display it, you could be stopped by the police and fined between 50 to 200 yuan, plus points deducted. Nowadays, although some cities have introduced electronic stickers, policies vary by region. I suggest you still dutifully place it on the upper corner of your windshield to avoid any hassle during roadside checks. If you don't display it and encounter a routine traffic police inspection, at best you'll get a ticket, at worst it could disrupt your trip. If you really want to save trouble, check your local DMV app to see if they support an electronic version. Otherwise, you'll need to buy a static cling sticker and make sure not to lose it. Remember, the annual inspection is there to ensure road safety—don't cut corners and invite trouble.
I think young drivers nowadays prefer using their phones for car-related operations, like checking annual inspection status through WeChat's vehicle management mini-programs. However, if you don't display the annual inspection sticker, you must confirm that your city has fully implemented the electronic system—otherwise, it's safer to stick one on. In big cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, electronic scanning suffices, but in smaller towns, the police might enforce stricter rules. Skipping the sticker could mean a fine starting at 100 yuan, or even having your car impounded, causing unnecessary delays. To stay compliant, it's best to update your electronic records on the platform every six months—don't risk major consequences over minor oversights.
