Is it still necessary to display the compulsory traffic insurance decal in Shijiazhuang?
4 Answers
In Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, the implementation of electronic insurance policies means that it is no longer necessary to display the compulsory traffic insurance decal on vehicles. Since the 2020 auto insurance reform, the electronic compulsory traffic insurance policy has been promoted nationwide. However, full implementation will take time, so currently only certain regions have truly adopted this policy. In areas where electronic policies are in effect, the compulsory traffic insurance decal no longer needs to be displayed. When encountering traffic police, drivers only need to present the electronic compulsory traffic insurance policy. However, in regions where the electronic policy has not yet been implemented, the compulsory traffic insurance decal must still be displayed, otherwise penalties may apply. According to Article 95 of the Road Traffic Safety Law: If a motor vehicle driven on the road does not display the inspection qualification mark or insurance mark, or does not carry the vehicle registration certificate or driver's license, the traffic management department of the public security organ shall detain the motor vehicle, notify the party to provide the corresponding license, mark, or complete the necessary procedures, and may impose penalties in accordance with Article 90 (a warning or a fine ranging from 20 to 200 yuan). As of 2022, the following provinces and cities have abolished the paper compulsory traffic insurance label: Beijing, Shanghai, Shandong, Shanxi, Guangdong, Henan, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangxi, Guizhou, Guangxi, Yunnan, Shaanxi, Hebei, Sichuan, and Gansu. Compulsory Traffic Insurance for Vehicles: The full name of compulsory traffic insurance is "Compulsory Liability Insurance for Motor Vehicle Traffic Accidents." It is a mandatory liability insurance where the insurance company compensates for personal injuries, deaths, and property losses (excluding vehicle occupants and the insured) caused by road traffic accidents involving the insured motor vehicle, within the liability limits. The premium is based on the nationally unified standard rates. However, the price of compulsory traffic insurance varies depending on the vehicle type, mainly influenced by the number of seats. Compared to the over 20 exemption clauses in commercial third-party insurance, compulsory traffic insurance covers a broader range, including losses caused by intentional acts of the victim, property losses of the insured, related arbitration and litigation costs, and certain indirect losses caused by accidents. Moreover, regardless of whether the insured vehicle is at fault in an accident, compulsory traffic insurance will provide compensation within the liability limits. Introduction to Electronic Policies: An electronic policy refers to an insurance policy issued by an insurance company using digital signature software and enterprise digital certificates that comply with the PKI system, bearing the electronic signature of the insurance company. An insurance policy, abbreviated as a policy, is the formal written proof of the insurance contract between the insurer and the insured. It must fully record the rights, obligations, and responsibilities of both parties. The content of the insurance policy serves as the basis for both parties to fulfill their obligations. The insurance policy is proof of the establishment of the insurance contract. Advantages of Electronic Policies: Saves paper resources, eliminating the need to print insurance proof decals; Saves time and is convenient, unrestricted by time or location, with information readily available online anytime; Allows for reissuance or resending, eliminating concerns about loss. If a paper version is needed offline, it can be printed or mailed; Facilitates management, as the electronic standardization makes it easier for insurance companies and traffic police departments to manage vehicle insurance information.
I've been driving in Shijiazhuang for over a decade. I remember we used to have to stick that blue compulsory traffic insurance label on the upper right corner of the windshield, otherwise traffic police would fine you during checks. But the policy has changed in recent years - electronic insurance policies are being promoted nationwide, including in Shijiazhuang, so the paper label isn't required anymore. You can download the Traffic Management 12123 app or your insurer's app, and save the electronic policy on your phone. Last time I was stopped for inspection, I just showed the policy on my phone screen, the officer verified it, and I was cleared immediately. This saves a lot of hassle and eliminates worries about labels falling off or obstructing vision. However, I'd recommend keeping a backup copy in your email or on a USB drive, just in case your phone has no signal during an unexpected roadside check. In short, driving without the label is completely legal in Shijiazhuang now - as long as your insurance is valid, you can access the electronic proof anytime, which is incredibly convenient.
Living and working in Shijiazhuang, I often commute by car, and the issue of whether to display the compulsory traffic insurance decal has long been digitized. It's all system-based management now—once you purchase insurance, the data is directly uploaded to the traffic management platform, eliminating the need for physical decals. One time, a colleague’s car had nothing on it, but when stopped by traffic police, they simply opened their phone app to show the electronic policy, quick and hassle-free. This not only reduces resource waste but also simplifies daily travel. The most reliable approach, in my view, is to regularly check and update your insurance status via the app while keeping a printed copy in the car just in case. Although some older folks might prefer the traditional decal, younger generations lean toward this tech-savvy method. Shijiazhuang’s policies are quite flexible, so there’s no need to stress over displaying the decal—what matters is ensuring your insurance stays valid and your proof is easily accessible.
I believe that in Shijiazhuang, the compulsory traffic insurance label no longer needs to be displayed. With the widespread adoption of electronic policies, you can simply present the digital proof on your phone during inspections. Official apps like Traffic Management 12123 maintain complete records. This simplifies the process, saves time, and enhances safety.
