
New vehicle annual inspection stickers should be affixed to the front windshield immediately after receiving them. Even newly purchased vehicles require annual inspection - the sticker should be applied before license plate registration. The inspection conducted for obtaining a vehicle license is called the initial annual inspection, whose purpose is to verify whether the vehicle meets the requirements for license plate application. Vehicle annual inspection refers to mandatory testing for all vehicles that have obtained official license plates and registration certificates, equivalent to an annual physical examination for vehicles according to the safety technical requirements for motor vehicle operation. Vehicle inspections can promptly eliminate potential safety hazards, encourage better vehicle maintenance, and reduce traffic accidents.

I remember when I first bought my new car, a friend reminded me to stick the annual inspection sticker on the windshield as soon as possible, otherwise I might get fined if caught by traffic police. In fact, the first sticker should be applied when registering the new car for license plates, usually on the same day or within a few days after registration, placed in the conspicuous upper right corner of the windshield. After that, new cars enjoy a 6-year exemption from on-site inspections, but the sticker needs to be renewed every two years. I once forgot to renew it and got stopped by the police, who lectured me for quite a while—fortunately, I wasn’t fined. The key point is that the sticker proves the car has passed inspection and is safe to drive. Nowadays, applying for it is quite convenient—you can do it via a mobile app or visit the vehicle management office and get it done in minutes. Sticking it on properly gives peace of mind when driving, so don’t procrastinate like I did back then.

From my years of experience in car maintenance and observation, the timing for affixing the new vehicle inspection sticker is crucial. The first time it's applied is during vehicle registration and licensing, when the DMV staff will directly assist you in placing it. Subsequently, the sticker must be renewed every two years. New vehicles are exempt from on-site inspections for the first six years, but the sticker must be replaced once it expires. I've seen many car owners neglect this, leading to fines and penalty points for either not displaying the sticker or having an expired one. It's advisable to set a phone reminder a few months in advance to handle this. The sticker is typically placed on the upper right corner of the windshield's interior, ensuring it doesn't obstruct the view. Additionally, keeping the sticker clearly visible is mandatory; otherwise, it can be easily spotted during patrols. These regulations are in place to ensure vehicles meet safety standards.

I bought my first car right after getting my driver's license and was quite confused about when to affix the annual inspection decal. Later, I figured out that the first decal is applied during the new vehicle registration process, right after completing the license plate application. After that, it needs to be replaced every two years. For the first six years, new cars don't require queuing up at inspection stations for testing, but you must apply for a new decal. I set a reminder on my phone to ensure timely replacement and avoid fines. Additionally, since the decal tends to collect dust on the windshield, I make it a habit to wipe it clean during car washes to maintain visibility. Keeping the decal up-to-date not only prevents fines but also serves as a reminder to regularly check my car's condition.

Having driven for over a decade, I'm very clear about the timing for affixing new vehicle inspection stickers. The first sticker is applied during the vehicle registration and licensing process, usually handled by the DMV. After that, you need to renew the sticker every two years. While new vehicles enjoy a 6-year exemption from physical inspections, the sticker must still be displayed. I advise everyone not to delay - driving with an expired sticker can result in fines, penalty points, and may affect your inspection records. The sticker is typically placed in the upper right corner of the windshield for easy visibility by traffic police. If you replace your windshield, remember to reapply the sticker promptly. Developing these small habits ensures worry-free and smooth driving.


