Can National II Vehicles Still Be Driven?
3 Answers
National II vehicles can still be driven, but they are prohibited from being sold, registered, or transferred. Below are the relevant national regulations on vehicle control: Legal Provisions: The "Three-Year Action Plan for Winning the Blue Sky Defense War" issued by the State Council clearly states that starting from July 1, 2019, key regions, the Pearl River Delta region, and the Chengdu-Chongqing region will implement the National VI emission standards ahead of schedule. The use of gas vehicles that meet the National VI emission standards is encouraged. Vehicle Access: After the implementation of the National VI emission standards, all vehicles sold and registered must meet the National VI emission standards. Vehicles with lower emission standards will be prohibited from being sold, registered, or transferred. National IV and National V emission vehicles can only be scrapped or relocated to regions where the National VI standards have not yet been implemented.
I've been driving a National II standard vehicle for over a decade. Honestly, it's no problem driving it in small towns or rural areas – still good for grocery runs and deliveries. But in big cities like Beijing or Shanghai, it's troublesome due to strict traffic restrictions. Often, I have to detour around core areas to avoid being caught by cameras and fined 200 yuan. Annual inspections are also more of a hassle, as the emission standards are stricter and it's easier to fail, requiring extra hundreds for repairs and maintenance. Maintaining it is tough too – old parts are hard to find and expensive. On average, fuel costs are much higher compared to new energy vehicles, making it less economical. If you're just driving short distances near home, a National II car might last a few more years, but in the long run, it's better to switch to a newer used car for peace of mind – more cost-effective and environmentally friendly, avoiding constant minor issues with old vehicles. With policies tightening, keeping an eye on local traffic regulations can help avoid a lot of trouble.
From the perspective of green transportation, National II vehicles cause severe pollution with high exhaust emissions. As China advocates for dual-carbon goals, many cities have already banned these older cars, such as Guangzhou's environmental restriction zones. Driving such vehicles not only worsens smog but may also harm health, especially exposing children to excessive nitrogen oxides. As ordinary citizens, we should prioritize upgrading to National VI or electric vehicles to reduce our emission footprint and support sustainable development. In terms of maintenance, National II vehicles consume more fuel and waste resources compared to energy-efficient models, which offer long-term cost savings. Although they may still be operable in remote areas, the general trend is gradual phase-out. It's advisable to plan for replacement in advance to avoid inconvenience when policies enforce a complete ban.
