What is the difference between the yellow and blue vehicle inspection stickers?
4 Answers
The difference between the yellow and blue vehicle inspection stickers is minimal. The main distinction lies in the expiration year of the inspection: the yellow sticker indicates an inspection valid until 2014, while the blue one is valid until 2016. Additionally, the inspection sticker for 2015 was green. The color of the annual vehicle inspection sticker changes every year: For example, if last year's sticker was green, this year's would be blue, serving to differentiate the inspection year of the vehicle. Placement of the inspection sticker: The vehicle inspection sticker must be affixed to the upper right corner of the vehicle's front windshield. During routine checks, traffic police can quickly determine if a vehicle has passed its inspection based on the color of the sticker without needing to stop the vehicle. If the sticker color were the same every year, vehicles would have to be stopped for verification, which would not only reduce efficiency but also potentially disrupt traffic.
When I used to get my car inspected, the blue sticker was the safety inspection pass decal, proving that the brakes, lights, and other components had passed the inspection. It was usually affixed to the upper right corner of the windshield. The yellow sticker was the environmental inspection pass decal, checking whether the exhaust emissions met the standards, and its color was noticeably different. Both stickers had to be properly displayed as required, and failing to do so could result in fines and penalty points if stopped by the police. The blue sticker was generally valid for one year and had to be replaced after the annual inspection. The yellow sticker had to be displayed on older vehicles that didn’t meet emission standards to prevent heavily polluting cars from entering urban areas. Nowadays, these have been consolidated into a new sticker, but the fundamental distinction remains—one for safety and one for environmental compliance. I remember when I first bought my car, I didn’t understand and forgot to display the yellow sticker. As a result, I was fined once when entering the city—a lesson I won’t forget. Since then, I’ve made sure to check regularly to avoid expiration.
As someone who frequently handles annual inspection matters, let me explain the difference between these two stickers. The yellow sticker is the Motor Vehicle Environmental Protection Inspection Compliance Label, which checks whether the vehicle's exhaust emissions meet regulations, aiming to reduce air pollution. Its yellow color makes it easily identifiable, and vehicles with this label are commonly referred to as "yellow-label vehicles." The blue sticker is the Safety Technical Inspection Compliance Label, which examines critical safety components such as the chassis and braking system, and is colored blue. Both stickers must be prominently displayed on the vehicle's front windshield. Failure to display them or having expired stickers may result in fines, penalty points, or driving restrictions. Current regulations have been simplified, and a unified new-style sticker is issued for passing the annual inspection. However, the environmental and safety inspection processes are still conducted separately. Understanding this can help vehicle owners prepare the necessary documents in advance, avoiding last-minute hassles and delays during the annual inspection.
During my annual vehicle inspection, I learned that the blue sticker indicates passing the safety inspection, proving that the car's brakes, steering wheel, etc. are in good condition. The yellow sticker is for the environmental protection inspection, specifically checking if the exhaust emissions meet the standards. Both stickers are placed on the corner of the windshield. If the blue one is missing, the police will issue a fine, and without the yellow one, you can't enter certain urban areas. Last year, I placed them on the wrong corner and got fined 200 yuan—quite a lesson. I recommend sticking them correctly right after the inspection and not delaying until they expire.
