Is the Compulsory Insurance Label No Longer Required to Be Displayed in 2020?
4 Answers
In 2020, the compulsory insurance label is still required to be displayed. Compulsory insurance refers to insurance that must be participated in by units or individuals within the specified scope, regardless of their willingness, in accordance with the relevant laws and regulations issued by the state. For example, many countries generally stipulate compulsory third-party liability insurance for motor vehicles as a type of compulsory insurance. Since compulsory insurance, to some extent, represents state intervention in individual will, its scope is strictly limited. According to relevant regulations, except for insurance mandated by laws and administrative regulations, insurance companies and any other entities are not allowed to force others to enter into insurance contracts.
Back when I first started driving in 2018, we still had to stick that compulsory insurance decal on the windshield. But after the policy update in 2020, with the nationwide rollout of digitalization, paper decals truly became unnecessary. The change mainly began with pilot programs in 2019 in cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen, where traffic police could directly check electronic insurance policies online—saving windshield space and being more eco-friendly. However, I should remind you that some remote areas might still be in the transition phase and not fully implemented yet. Before traveling, it’s best to check the local traffic app or website for confirmation. If stopped, just have a screenshot or printed copy of your e-policy ready. This reform is quite practical—no more hassle with peeling stickers, clearer visibility, and insurers automatically upload the data, so us car owners don’t have to worry about it. Overall, 2020 was a turning point, as the digital era made driving much easier.
From my experience, the compulsory insurance label was indeed no longer required to be displayed in most provinces and cities by 2020. For example, regions like Guangdong and Jiangsu have fully adopted electronic record systems where police can scan and retrieve information with their devices, eliminating the need for paper labels obstructing windshields. However, implementation varies by location—smaller counties might still follow old regulations, so I recommend checking with local traffic authorities or your insurance company. This policy reform stems from convenience needs; paper labels were prone to damage and could impair driving safety. Now with digitalization, policies are stored directly on smartphones for instant access when needed, significantly improving efficiency. Additionally, environmental considerations reduce paper waste, which is beneficial for us car owners. Just ensure your policy is valid before traveling, and don't be careless.
I often see car owners struggling with this during repairs. The truth is, since 2020 when the country promoted electronic insurance policies, it's basically no longer necessary to display the compulsory insurance sticker. In the past, it was required for easy inspection, but it obstructed the view and was dangerous. Nowadays, most places, especially big cities, use systems to verify insurance, which is more convenient and safer. Just make sure your policy is valid, and keep an electronic copy or screenshot handy when driving to avoid fines. This reform is quite reasonable—it really reduces the burden on us car owners.
