Is it still necessary to display the annual inspection sticker for motor vehicles?
2 Answers
No. Here are the relevant details: 1. Digitalization: Starting from June 2020, China has implemented digital annual inspection stickers nationwide. After passing the vehicle inspection, owners will no longer receive paper inspection stickers. Instead, they can directly obtain the electronic inspection sticker through the 12123 traffic management app. 2. Equal validity: The electronic inspection certificate has the same legal effect as the paper version. Vehicles that have obtained the electronic inspection certificate no longer need to display the paper sticker. Traffic police will verify the inspection status through law enforcement terminals during roadside checks.
I remember last year I specifically went to get the annual inspection sticker, only to hear about the new regulations less than two months after putting it on. Now, electronic inspection labels are being implemented nationwide, eliminating the need for paper stickers on the windshield. You can check the electronic version directly in the Traffic Management 12123 app. However, some veteran drivers might still not be used to it. My neighbor Uncle Wang, for example, deliberately saved a screenshot of the electronic label in his phone's album. If stopped by traffic police, you can just show it on your phone—the records are all in the system. But I must remind everyone: vehicle inspections still need to be done on time. The electronic system only saves you the hassle of the sticker; don’t mistakenly think inspections are no longer required. Last week, when I drove to another province for a trip, I specifically checked the local policy, and they also recognize electronic labels.
