Can National 5 Vehicles Be Registered?

[VanAlex]

National 5 vehicles can still be registered in regions or cities where the National 6 standard has not been implemented. However, in some areas or cities where the National 6 standard has already been implemented, National 5 vehicles cannot be registered. Below is relevant information about vehicle registration: 1. Before Registration: Registration first requires the vehicle's certificate of conformity. Keep the triplicate invoice for the vehicle purchase, then pay the vehicle purchase tax and obtain the main and auxiliary tax certificates before registering at the vehicle management office. 2. Selecting a License Plate After Approval: After the vehicle passes inspection, you can proceed to choose a license plate. 3. Regulations for Vehicle Registration: If you have obtained a motor vehicle but have not yet registered it and need to drive it temporarily within the administrative region, a temporary license plate valid for no more than 15 days will be issued.

[SerenityAnn]

I remember that China 5 vehicles could still be registered in some areas before. For example, last year I helped a relative buy a new China 5 inventory car in our hometown county, and the vehicle management office still processed it. But the policy has long changed—now with the stricter China 6 standards, most cities nationwide have completely blocked new China 5 vehicle registrations. If you're considering buying a new China 5 car, the risks are high. Big cities like Beijing and Shanghai are basically out of the question, while rural towns might still have some leftover inventory for clearance. Dealership owners have mentioned that while clearance prices are tempting, the failure rate for registration is extremely high. You could end up wasting money and causing delays. In the long run, China 5 cars depreciate quickly and face restrictions in limited-traffic zones, making them less practical. It might be better to grit your teeth and opt for a used China 5 car or a new China 6 vehicle for peace of mind. Emission policies are getting stricter, and buying the wrong car could even make transfers troublesome—so make sure to check thoroughly before making a decision.

[DelAugust]

Based on my understanding of automotive policies, registering a new China 5 vehicle is now very difficult. Since China implemented the China 6 standard in 2021, all newly sold vehicles must comply, making it nearly impossible to register new China 5 vehicles. However, regional differences are significant, and in remote areas like some small counties in Qinghai, local vehicle management offices might still have some flexibility for inventory clearance. I recommend you first check local regulations, consult a 4S dealership, or visit the official website for the latest details. The used car market is more lenient, with relatively easier transfer procedures for China 5 vehicles. But be mindful of environmental trends—China 5 vehicles may face increasing restrictions in the future, leading to higher usage costs. In the long run, switching to a China 6 vehicle offers better value retention and environmental benefits. Don’t be tempted by short-term savings only to lose out in the long run.

[StJulia]

Getting a license plate for a China 5 vehicle depends on luck and policy flexibility, but most cities have now blocked it. I personally experienced this last year when I wanted to buy a new China 5 car but was denied registration. After a wasted week, I switched to a China 6 car to get it done. The threshold for new car registration is high, and if it fails, the losses can be severe—potentially losing the car's value and wasting time. Worse, China 5 cars are restricted in limited-traffic zones, depreciate rapidly, and face difficulties in finding repair parts. The used car market for China 5 vehicles is slightly better, but the risk of new registration is even greater. In short, don’t risk buying a new China 5 car. Consult the DMV directly or choose a reliable China 6 brand to avoid regret.

[MacHaven]

From a policy perspective on the issue of registering China 5 vehicles, under the nationwide China 6 standards, new vehicle registrations are strictly controlled, and China 5 vehicles are essentially out of the game. However, there are significant differences in local transitional mechanisms. For example, some western provinces allow temporary registrations during the inventory clearance period for stock vehicles. You need to understand the specific regulations of your target city—zero possibility in cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen, while smaller cities like Yulin might have a window. Additionally, the rules for used car transfers are somewhat independent; China 5 vehicles can be transferred but obtaining new plates is difficult. Environmental upgrades mean China 5 vehicles face more usage restrictions and higher maintenance costs. It is advisable to weigh the pros and cons and prioritize China 6 vehicles to future-proof your investment.