How can you ensure that the vehicle has passed an annual inspection?

To ensure that a vehicle has passed an annual inspection, the presence of a valid inspection sticker affixed to the vehicle serves as crucial evidence of compliance. This sticker indicates that the vehicle has undergone the necessary safety checks and has met all regulatory requirements mandated by the state.

An inspection sticker typically includes details such as the date of inspection and the expiration date, helping both law enforcement and vehicle operators ascertain the vehicle's status at a glance. In this context, the importance of visual confirmation via a sticker is paramount, as it provides immediate verification without the need for additional documentation or inquiries.

In contrast, the other options lack the definitive proof provided by a valid inspection sticker. For instance, not requiring proof is inadequate for confirming the vehicle's inspection status, as this could lead to vehicles operating without proper validation. Similarly, relying solely on the operator’s statement or forwarding information to the Ministry of Transportation does not provide immediate verification and may not suffice for compliance checks during roadside inspections. Therefore, the presence of a valid inspection sticker is the most reliable method for ensuring a vehicle's compliance with annual inspection requirements.