What Stickers Should Be Displayed on the Front Windshield of a Car?

[NatalieLynn]

There are three types of stickers that need to be displayed on the front windshield of a car: 1. Annual Inspection Sticker: Vehicles must undergo regular inspections, which include multiple items such as the braking system, lighting system, and exterior appearance. Upon passing, an annual inspection sticker is issued. 2. Vehicle Environmental Protection Sticker: Vehicles must undergo periodic exhaust emission tests, primarily for environmental protection. Upon passing, an emission compliance sticker is issued. 3. Compulsory Traffic Insurance Sticker: This is mandatory insurance for vehicles. The government issues graded emission standard labels, which are divided into green and yellow categories, based on vehicle type and emission standards. To apply for an environmental protection label during the vehicle annual inspection: First, visit the local vehicle exhaust testing department (pay a fee of approximately 100 yuan) to conduct the emission test. Upon passing, an emission compliance notice will be issued.

[Dana]

In my first few years of driving, I also had to figure out the whole sticker thing, rushing to put up new ones after each annual inspection. Currently, the compulsory traffic insurance sticker is a must—it's required by law, and failing to display it can result in at least a 200-yuan fine if caught by the police. The annual inspection sticker used to be mandatory too, but now it's gone digital, and most cities nationwide no longer require a paper version. The environmental protection sticker has long been phased out in many areas. Placement matters—usually on the upper right corner of the windshield, ensuring it doesn’t obstruct the driver’s view. I find static cling stickers much easier to handle; they’re cheap online, sold in large sheets, and leave no sticky residue when removed. If you use adhesive stickers, they can be a pain to peel off after a year, often requiring special cleaners to scrape off. Remember not to cover the stickers with window tint or decorations, or your car might fail the annual inspection.

[McValerie]

According to traffic regulations, the mandatory sticker for a car's front windshield is the compulsory traffic insurance label. This paper sticker must be prominently placed in the upper right corner of the windshield. Nowadays, annual inspection labels have been digitized in many areas, allowing traffic police to scan the license plate for information, eliminating the need for physical stickers. The environmental protection label was abolished in most provinces several years ago, but policies vary by region, so check your local requirements. Avoid placing advertisements or personal decorative stickers that obstruct the driver's view, as this may result in fines. If your area still uses paper labels, it's recommended to use transparent static cling stickers for attachment, as they are easier to remove than double-sided tape. During my last annual inspection, I specifically asked the service window, and the staff mentioned that currently, only the compulsory traffic insurance label is strictly checked.

[MadelineLee]

I only have two stickers on my own car: this year's compulsory traffic insurance sticker and the annual inspection sticker are both affixed in the upper right corner of the windshield using old-style static cling stickers. Although I've heard that many places have eliminated the environmental protection sticker, I still keep an empty spot just to be safe. When applying them, be careful not to cover the black ceramic dot area along the edge of the windshield, as the adhesive won't hold well. I tried using regular transparent tape before, but it turned yellow and peeled within months. Later, a friend recommended special static cling film bought online—it peels off cleanly when replacing stickers, leaving the glass spotless. The DMV staff mentioned that while crooked stickers don't affect legality, they must remain clearly scannable.

[DelAdaline]

There are two key points to note when affixing decals: legality and safety. The compulsory traffic insurance decal must be displayed as it's a legal requirement. Position it in the upper right corner of the windshield without extending beyond the A-pillar to avoid obstructing side visibility. Most regions have abolished requirements for annual inspection and environmental protection decals, making them optional. I recommend using static cling decal kits - align and apply them properly in one go to avoid wrinkles. Never rush the application process right before driving as it compromises safety. When removing old decals, use alcohol swabs to clean adhesive residue instead of scraping to prevent glass scratches. I've seen cases where people covered half their windshield with cartoon stickers - not only did they get fined, but it created dangerous visibility issues during rain.

[DelBrynlee]

I particularly care about the neat and tidy appearance of the stickers on the windshield. Every time I need to replace a sticker, I first buy new static cling stickers and clean the glass until it's crystal clear before applying them. I position them in the corner behind the rearview mirror on the windshield, leaving a two-finger width from the edge. The compulsory traffic insurance sticker is a must, and although the annual inspection e-sticker doesn't need to be displayed, I prefer to print a small paper version and stick it up for convenience. When applying, align the edges of the static cling film and press lightly for it to adhere. If there are bubbles, use a card to smooth them out. In the past, using double-sided tape left sticky residue that took an hour to clean, but now with static cling stickers, it's done in a minute. A reminder to everyone: don’t follow my old habit of sticking a phone mount on the windshield—it's both glaring and obstructs the view.