Is it still necessary to display the vehicle insurance decal?
3 Answers
It is still required to display the vehicle insurance decal. Compulsory Traffic Insurance (CTI) is a mandatory insurance for vehicles, and the insurance decal must be affixed to the upper right corner of the front windshield. However, starting from 2018, pilot areas in Beijing no longer require physical insurance decals on vehicles, replacing them with electronic insurance policies. Vehicles that have already obtained license plates and registration certificates must display the annual inspection decal. Annual vehicle inspections are a mandatory check-up conducted every year to ensure driver safety. These inspections help identify hidden hazards that are not usually visible and remind drivers to perform timely maintenance, enhancing safety awareness and protecting driving safety, thereby reducing the occurrence of traffic accidents.
I remember in the past, drivers had to display an insurance sticker on the windshield, otherwise they would be fined. But now, many places have switched to electronic versions, which saves a lot of trouble. I’ve also gotten used to checking my insurance status through the traffic police app on my phone—it’s very convenient. This change is mainly due to the popularization of digitalization, as stickers can easily age or be stolen, while electronic certificates are more secure and reliable. Of course, some remote areas might have different requirements, but overall, I recommend everyone download the traffic department’s recommended app and update their insurance information promptly to avoid scrambling if checked on the road. This makes driving feel more relaxed, without worrying too much about a small sticker.
Regarding the insurance sticker placement, I have to say it's really unnecessary now. In the past, we stuck it to prove insurance coverage and prevent disputes after accidents, but now police can directly scan license plates to check electronic records. I feel this most during long-distance driving – the electronic system reduces visual interference from stickers, as a cleaner windshield provides better visibility. If you're still concerned, you can periodically check your insurer's notifications or government website updates. Ultimately, from a safety perspective, digitization is a major advancement. We ordinary drivers just need to keep up by learning some new technologies to avoid unnecessary troubles.
