Can National IV Vehicles Still Be Licensed?

[SimonRose]

National IV vehicles can still be licensed. Below is the relevant information: 1. Relevant regulations: National IV vehicles will begin to be fully phased out. If licensing is required, consult the local vehicle management office, as each province has its own restrictions. According to national announcements, due to fuel upgrades, the National Stage V motor vehicle pollutant emission standards need to be implemented in different regions and time periods to reduce vehicle exhaust emissions. 2. Purpose of updating emission standards: The update of emission standards aims to better control environmental pollution. Through technologies such as improved catalytic converter active layers, secondary air injection, and exhaust gas recirculation systems with cooling devices, the emissions of vehicle pollutants are controlled and reduced.

[IsaacRose]

As someone who frequently follows automotive policies, I've noticed that registering China IV vehicles is now mostly impossible, especially in major cities like Beijing and Shanghai where new registrations are strictly prohibited. This is because the national China VI emission standards have been enforced since 2019, and only China VI-compliant vehicles can be newly registered. China IV vehicles are considered older models with higher emission pollution levels. Currently, they might only have a chance in remote rural areas like parts of Gansu or Inner Mongolia, but policies change annually, and DMV regulations are constantly adjusted. My advice is not to get your hopes up too high—check your local DMV's official website or call to confirm to avoid a wasted trip. If you're serious about buying a car, considering a China VI-compliant new car or a certified used car would be a safer bet. This situation also reminds us to pay more attention to environmental policy changes, as the national push for these standards is ultimately aimed at improving air quality.

[StCassandra]

Last year, I helped a friend transfer a used National IV standard car to get it licensed, but we were directly rejected at the local DMV. The staff said only National VI standard new cars could be registered, and even transfers had age restrictions. Unwilling to give up, we searched online forums and found that some counties might still allow it, but driving hundreds of kilometers was too troublesome. In terms of price, National IV cars are now selling very low, but trying to save money ended up costing more time and effort. My advice is, if you still have hope, first ask the local DMV about the specific process or check with the used car market to clarify the situation. If it really doesn’t work out, consider changing plans and buying a lower-spec National VI car to avoid the hassle. This experience taught me to do more homework and check policy updates before buying a car.

[StLillian]

I think the government's restriction on licensing National IV vehicles is a good thing, as environmental protection must take priority. National IV vehicles exceed emission standards, worsening air pollution and affecting everyone's health. Having experienced several smoggy days in the suburbs, I believe every choice should be made responsibly. If you own a National IV vehicle, consider selling or scrapping it instead of forcing a license plate registration—many regions offer environmental subsidies to encourage recycling. Upgrading to a National VI vehicle is not only legal but also more environmentally friendly, offering long-term benefits. The stricter vehicle management policies are pushing us toward greener transportation.

[SanJessica]

From a cost-saving perspective, registering a China IV vehicle is no longer economical. The new car market no longer offers China IV options, leaving only used purchases with difficult registration, expensive maintenance, and low resale value. China VI vehicles are more fuel-efficient and require less maintenance in the long run, despite the higher initial investment—financing options are available. Data shows that the total cost of ownership for China IV vehicles is higher, including time costs. If your budget is tight, consider opting for an entry-level China VI model or waiting for policy relaxation, but don’t gamble. Trading in an old car for a new one may qualify you for subsidies.

[VanKathryn]

In my hometown small town, it's still occasionally possible to register a China IV emission standard vehicle, as the local vehicle management office is more lenient due to lower population and less pollution pressure. However, in big cities like Guangzhou and Chengdu, such vehicles have long been banned with strict policy enforcement. There are significant regional differences, so users should check local regulations first and not guess. The policies in my area are also changing rapidly and could tighten at any time. When buying a car, it's better to prioritize China VI emission standard vehicles or certified used cars to minimize risks. Regional policies reflect the national environmental protection goals, and users should adapt and upgrade for the sake of future generations.