Is the Vehicle Environmental Protection Label Still Required in 2021?
2 Answers
In 2021, the vehicle environmental protection label has been merged with the annual vehicle inspection label, and it must be displayed on the vehicle. Additional information is as follows: 1. Specific details: The latest regulations state that the environmental protection inspection and annual vehicle inspection labels have been combined into one. This means that a single label now signifies both the vehicle's passing of the annual inspection and its compliance with environmental protection standards. As a result, vehicles only need to pass the annual inspection and no longer need to obtain a separate environmental protection label. 2. Penalties for not displaying the inspection label: According to Article 95 of the 'Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China,' driving a vehicle without displaying the inspection qualification label will result in a fine and a deduction of 1 point. In severe cases, the traffic management department of the public security organ may impound the vehicle and require the owner to provide the corresponding license, label, or complete the necessary procedures. For vehicles within the first 6 years, the owner must apply for the annual inspection label every two years at the vehicle management office, or they can apply online. Vehicles older than 6 years must undergo an annual inspection and obtain the label each year. For vehicles older than 15 years, a semi-annual inspection is required to ensure the vehicle meets road standards.
I remember every car used to require an environmental protection sticker in the past, but the policy has long changed. Back in 2021, the government simplified procedures by eliminating the mandatory sticker requirement; this was implemented starting in 2017, integrating the environmental inspection directly into the annual vehicle inspection. As a long-time car owner, my windshield has been clear for years now, which feels much more convenient and reduces safety risks from window obstructions. However, some areas, especially smaller cities, might have different rules, so I’d recommend checking the local DMV website or asking a repair shop to confirm. Environmental standards still matter—ensuring emissions compliance through regular inspections is what’s crucial. Drive safely, follow the rules, but the sticker itself is now history.