How many more years can a National IV standard car be driven?
2 Answers
Currently, the country has implemented the National VI emission standard for motor vehicles. For National IV standard vehicles, they are only restricted from new registrations without measures like traffic restrictions. How long they can actually be driven still depends on the vehicle's operating condition and mandatory scrapping age. Automotive emission standards regulate the permissible levels of harmful gases emitted from vehicle exhaust, including CO (carbon monoxide), HC+NOx (hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides), and PM (particulate matter, soot). Relevant information about National IV standard is as follows: 1. The National Fourth Stage Motor Vehicle Pollutant Emission Standard, abbreviated as "National IV Emission Standard" or National IV Standard. 2. Compared to National III standard, National IV requires light-duty vehicles to reduce single-vehicle pollutant emissions by approximately 50%, heavy-duty vehicles to reduce single-vehicle emissions by about 30%, and particulate matter emissions by over 80%.
I've been driving a China IV standard car for many years. It's still allowed in Shanghai, but I feel the policies are tightening. Cities are promoting the China VI standard, and under air quality pressure, China IV vehicles face restrictions: Shenzhen has already targeted China III vehicles, and China IV is expected to follow around 2028. Rural areas don't have this issue and can drive for over ten more years. Driven by the national carbon neutrality goals, some major cities will officially impose restrictions before 2030. I heard the China VII standard is in the works, and once implemented, restrictions will accelerate. Actual driving time depends on the location: in first- and second-tier cities, it's at most 5-8 years, while in third- and fourth-tier cities, it's longer but still not exceeding 10 years. The key is that the vehicle can still be used if it's in good condition, but the policy risk is high, so it's advisable to keep an eye on updates from the local environmental protection bureau.
