Is the 2021 Vehicle Inspection Sticker Still Required?
2 Answers
In 2021, vehicles no longer require any physical inspection stickers. Starting from June 2020, China has implemented electronic vehicle inspection labels nationwide. When vehicle owners complete their annual inspections now, they will not receive paper inspection stickers. Instead, they can directly obtain electronic inspection labels through the 12123 traffic management app. For vehicle owners who have obtained electronic inspection labels, these digital labels hold the same validity as paper stickers. During traffic police inspections, presenting the electronic inspection label is sufficient. For vehicles under 6 years old, owners need to apply for an inspection label every two years at the vehicle management office, though online application is also available. For vehicles older than 6 years but under 10 years, the inspection frequency has been relaxed from annual to biennial inspections. This means only two on-site inspections are required within 10 years - at the 6th and 8th years - effective from November 20, 2020. Vehicles over 10 years old continue with annual inspections. As for vehicles older than 15 years, semi-annual inspections are required to ensure they meet roadworthiness standards.
I know that the inspection sticker doesn't need to be displayed anymore. Since 2020, electronic annual inspection labels have been gradually implemented nationwide, and the 2021 paper labels are already outdated and unnecessary to display. Traffic police can directly check the vehicle's inspection status through the system, such as by binding the vehicle on the 12123 Traffic Management app for real-time updates. This policy change is really convenient. In the past, the stickers would often get damaged by rain and obstruct the view, but now it's much more eco-friendly and hassle-free. I recommend car owners get used to checking the annual inspection validity period and maintenance information through the app to avoid forgetting and causing trouble. If a vehicle's inspection is overdue, there are risks when driving on the road, so it's best to handle it promptly for peace of mind.
