Will removing the 3C mark on a car result in penalties?
2 Answers
The 3C mark can be removed without affecting future maintenance, repairs, or daily driving. However, the vehicle must display the annual inspection compliance mark and the compulsory insurance mark. The 3C mark is China's mandatory certification mark, which serves to protect national interests and prevent property losses while also regulating the quality issues of foreign manufacturers and brands. Below are the marks required to be displayed on vehicles for road use: 1. Annual Inspection Compliance Mark: According to Chinese law, vehicles must undergo annual inspections on time. Newly purchased vehicles are exempt from inspection for the first six years, but owners must still collect the annual inspection compliance mark from the vehicle management office or relevant institutions each year. Vehicles that fail to display the annual inspection compliance mark may be fined or even impounded by traffic authorities. During the exemption period, submitting proof of compulsory insurance and other materials is required to obtain the compliance mark. 2. Compulsory Insurance Mark: Compulsory insurance must be purchased when acquiring a vehicle. Without compulsory insurance, the owner assumes full responsibility for any accidents, covering all associated costs personally. Vehicles without compulsory insurance are not permitted on the road. If stopped by traffic police, the vehicle may be impounded, and the owner may face a fine equivalent to twice the compulsory insurance premium.
Regarding the removal of the automotive 3C mark, from a legal perspective, the 3C mark is a mandatory national certification symbol that proves the vehicle meets quality standards. According to the "Regulations on Compulsory Product Certification," unauthorized damage or failure to display the certification mark as required may result in warnings or fines. However, in reality, traffic police rarely specifically check for this mark during routine inspections unless issues are discovered during annual inspections or vehicle transfers. I once encountered a case where someone removed the 3C mark to apply a personalized sticker and was later required to reapply for it during the annual inspection, which took over a week to resolve. Although direct penalties are uncommon, if caught during a strict inspection or if the vehicle is suspected of illegal modifications, the absence of this mark could lead to trouble. Therefore, it’s advisable not to remove it—keeping it ensures peace of mind, and it doesn’t take up much space. If it does fall off accidentally, remember to get a replacement at the vehicle management office. Safety first, after all.
