How Long Can National IV Private Vehicles Still Be Driven?
2 Answers
How long National IV private vehicles can still be driven depends on local policy regulations. Below is relevant information about National IV: 1. Introduction: The National IV emission standard is the fourth stage of China's motor vehicle pollutant emission standards. Major automotive pollutants include HC (hydrocarbons), NOx (nitrogen oxides), CO (carbon monoxide), and PM (particulate matter). Through the application of technologies such as improved catalytic converter active layers, secondary air injection, and exhaust gas recirculation systems with cooling devices, the standard aims to control and reduce vehicle emissions below specified limits. 2. Implementation Timeline: In March 2009, the Industrial Policy Department of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology convened a meeting with relevant enterprises to discuss the implementation of automotive emission standards (National III, IV, and V), attended by major automotive manufacturers and engine producers. On December 21, 2010, the General Office of the Ministry of Environmental Protection of the People's Republic of China issued the official reply 'Letter on the Implementation Date of National Motor Vehicle Emission Standard Phase IV Limits' (Huanban Han [2010] No. 1390) to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers.
I've been driving my National IV standard car for over five years now, and I've grown quite reliant on this old buddy. It handles my daily commute and school runs for the kids reliably with stable performance. But urban policies are getting stricter these days—I hear cities like Beijing and Shanghai have already started restricting National III vehicles from road use, and National IV cars will likely face similar restrictions or even urban area bans soon. This is quite concerning since replacing it with a new car isn't cheap. My advice: keep an eye on updates from local vehicle management offices or traffic authority apps, as regulations vary by city. Smaller towns like my hometown may stay lenient longer, but major cities could enforce restrictions within the next few years. Regular maintenance like oil changes and emission system checks can buy some time, but long-term use seems unlikely—especially during heavy pollution when governments target older vehicles first. Switching to new energy vehicles is the trend, though personal finances matter too. Overall, I think it’s good for another five or six years, but stay alert to policy shifts to avoid being caught off guard.