Is it still necessary to display the annual inspection sticker when getting the vehicle inspected?
3 Answers
Now it is not necessary to display the annual inspection sticker when getting the vehicle inspected. Since June 2020, the electronicization of annual inspection labels has been implemented nationwide. After the vehicle passes the inspection, the paper annual inspection label will no longer be issued. Vehicle owners can directly obtain the electronic annual inspection label on the 12123 traffic management platform. Documents required for annual inspection: Vehicle license; Compulsory traffic insurance certificate; Vehicle and vessel tax payment or tax exemption certificate (usually purchased together with compulsory traffic insurance and can be found in the compulsory insurance policy); Owner's ID card. If handled by others, the agent needs to bring their ID card. Annual inspection items: The annual inspection mainly includes vehicle testing, safety testing, exhaust emission testing, etc. Newly added items include appearance inspection, OBD inspection, fuel evaporation testing, and adjustment of pollutant emission limits.
Now you don't need to put that small inspection sticker on your car anymore! I just went through the annual vehicle inspection at the DMV recently, and the staff directly told me that electronic labels are now implemented nationwide. As long as your vehicle is registered in the Traffic Management 12123 APP, the electronic certificate will be automatically generated after the inspection, and traffic police can check it by scanning the code. However, some places still require paper insurance labels, as regulations vary by region. I've kept those old stickers in my car as souvenirs, after all, it feels strange not using them suddenly after sticking them for over a decade. Digitalization is indeed much more convenient—no more worries about crooked application or getting them wet in the rain.
I just helped a friend complete the annual vehicle inspection, and I can definitively say that the annual inspection stickers are now obsolete. While waiting in line at the inspection station, the staff at the window mentioned that the national system is fully networked, with electronic tags replacing paper ones. Now, you just need to log into the 12123 app, and you can check the electronic version of the annual inspection mark on the driver's license page. If you encounter an inspection, simply show it on your phone—no need to print it out. However, don’t forget that the inspection records must be completed on time; going electronic doesn’t mean you can skip inspections. The spot on the car windshield where the sticker used to be is now much cleaner.
