Is it still necessary to display the auto insurance sticker now?
2 Answers
It is no longer necessary to display the auto insurance sticker. Starting from 2020, vehicles are only required to display the annual inspection sticker, as the insurance sticker has been abolished. Although the annual inspection information is connected to the traffic police system, failing to display the annual inspection sticker is not permitted. Moreover, new policies have integrated vehicle annual inspections with environmental protection tests. Below are the relevant regulations regarding auto insurance stickers: 1. Annual replacement of insurance stickers: After the vehicle owner first purchases compulsory third-party liability insurance, it must be renewed annually, and the insurance sticker should also be replaced each year, with the background color changing yearly. 2. Illegal use of auto insurance stickers: Forging, altering, or using forged or altered insurance stickers, or using another vehicle's insurance sticker, will result in confiscation by the traffic management department of the public security organ, detention of the vehicle, and a fine; if a crime is constituted, criminal liability shall be pursued according to the law.
I used to have to stick my car insurance sticker on the windshield, but things have changed so much in recent years. Nowadays, many places no longer require it because the police can check electronic insurance policies through an app, which is very convenient. The electronic policy can be downloaded to your phone and viewed anytime, eliminating the hassle of faded stickers or exposure to wind and rain. However, I think it's best to print a copy of the policy and keep it in the car for safety's sake—just in case your phone fails or the signal is poor, the police might need verification. The key is to ensure your insurance is valid and doesn't expire, otherwise the fine can be hefty. Based on my experience, electronic policies are widely adopted in big cities, but rural or smaller areas might have different requirements, so it's best to check the local traffic authority's website to confirm. All in all, this change has simplified life and made driving more worry-free.
