Can National II Vehicles Still Be Driven in Harbin?
3 Answers
Harbin National II vehicles can still be driven. Introduction to National II vehicles: National II vehicles refer to vehicles whose exhaust emissions comply with the National Phase II emission standards. Methods to identify National II vehicles: The simplest and most direct way is to check the vehicle's environmental protection label, which has clear markings on the back. You can also log in to the website of the Motor Vehicle Exhaust Pollution Supervision and Management Center to inquire. Alternatively, bring the vehicle registration certificate to the vehicle management office for inquiry. For new vehicles, you can refer to the vehicle's factory certificate. A rough distinction can also be made based on the year the vehicle was registered. Most vehicles registered after 2008 are National IV, while those registered in 2007 may be National III or National IV. Vehicles registered before 2007 are mostly below National IV, i.e., National III or National II. Vehicles registered before 2005 are mostly National II.
I've been driving for over 20 years. In places like Harbin, National II emission standard vehicles can barely stay on the road, but they come with significant hassles. The aging cars exceed emission limits, and urban area restrictions are the biggest pain point - especially being banned from downtown and popular routes where a single ticket would hit hard. The vehicle condition is problematic too. During winter when temperatures drop to -20°C or -30°C, old car batteries often freeze and fail to start, while aged brake systems pose serious safety risks. Keeping it running requires regular maintenance checks, but repair costs are painfully high with replacement parts hard to source. Long-term, it's wiser to apply for government scrappage subsidies - trading it for a few thousand yuan toward a new car makes more sense, being both hassle-free and eco-friendly.
From a policy perspective, Harbin has imposed restrictions on high-emission vehicles, with older models like China II standards basically barred from entering the first and second ring road restricted zones. The government is promoting a yellow-label vehicle scrappage program, offering replacement subsidies, and some automakers are adding extra incentives to encourage upgrades. Vehicle owners should promptly check the Harbin Traffic Police website or official WeChat account to confirm specific policies and avoid taking chances on the road. Annual inspections have also become stricter, with even minor deviations in emission tests leading to failure. Personally, I believe responding to the initiative by switching to new energy vehicles is the trend, as the increasing number of charging stations makes it more convenient and low-carbon.
