Can National II Emission Standard Vehicles Still Be Driven?
2 Answers
In today's society, if National II emission standard vehicles want to be driven on the road, they need to undergo extremely strict inspections. For family-use 5-seat sedans and 7-seat SUVs, non-operational small and micro vehicles have no usage lifespan limit. Starting from July 1, 2019, all newly produced light vehicles sold and registered in our province must meet or exceed the China 6a emission standard requirements. From the same date, all heavy-duty gas vehicles produced, imported, sold, or registered in the province must comply with the China 6a emission standard. For vehicles purchased before the specified date or transferred into the province from other regions (based on the transfer registration date in the vehicle registration certificate) that meet the China 5 emission standard requirements, the traffic management department of the public security authority can process vehicle registration procedures within one month after the specified date. Registrations will not be processed after this deadline.
I've been driving a National II emission standard car for almost five years. It's fine for rural areas, but a big hassle in major cities. The old engine tends to produce black smoke with severe over-emissions. Places like Beijing's Third Ring Road are basically off-limits all day, and Shanghai restricts entry during rush hours. I have to be extra careful checking tires and brakes as aging parts pose higher risks. I check monthly for oil/fluid leaks and change engine oil more frequently to prolong its life. Checking local traffic regulations is crucial - the Traffic Management 12123 app shows restricted zones. If avoiding urban centers, suburban driving is manageable with cheaper insurance, though repairs are costly (even spark plug replacements run hundreds). With proper maintenance, it might last another year or two, but requires regular garage checkups. Long-term, for environmental and safety reasons, I'm gradually planning to upgrade to a new National VI standard vehicle.
