How Many More Years Can National IV Vehicles Be Driven?
4 Answers
National IV vehicles can continue to be driven as long as they pass the annual inspection at the local motor vehicle inspection station. The usage period and current status of National IV vehicles are as follows: Usage period of National IV vehicles: There are no regulations setting a scrapping deadline for private passenger vehicles; they are only guided to be scrapped after reaching 600,000 kilometers. Additionally, the mandatory scrapping period for light trucks and heavy trucks is 10 years, but it can be extended up to 5 years, meaning the maximum mandatory scrapping period for National IV trucks is 15 years. Current status of National IV vehicles: Currently, there are no explicit regulations on the mandatory scrapping time for National IV vehicles in China. However, it is certain that even with the arrival of National VI standards, the use of National IV models will not be affected in the short term. Nevertheless, due to ever-changing policies, the resale value of National IV vehicles may be impacted, so it is advisable to purchase them cautiously.
The driving lifespan of China IV vehicles is actually quite a concern. My own car is a China IV model, and it feels great driving it in the city. However, last year I saw news that Beijing would restrict China III vehicles from entering core areas, which made me a bit nervous. Currently, there is no nationwide policy stating that China IV vehicles cannot be driven, but major cities may gradually introduce policies for environmental protection and traffic congestion relief. For example, Shanghai discussed a timetable for restricting China IV vehicles in certain areas last year. Based on my experience, if you live in a second-tier or smaller city, a China IV vehicle can still be driven steadily for six to eight years or more. But if you're in a first-tier city, you might need to pay attention to notifications in about five years. I recommend keeping an eye on updates from the local traffic bureau and maintaining your car well—such as regular emission tests and engine maintenance—to extend its usable life. After all, a car is a significant investment, so don’t let it suddenly become unusable due to lack of preparation.
This issue involves policy and environmental factors, and I'm quite attentive to changes in the automotive industry. The China IV emission standards were introduced around 2013, and now China VI vehicles have become widespread, so the government is certainly pushing for a clean energy transition. Although there's no nationwide mandatory retirement timeline, first-tier cities like Shenzhen are already planning to impose restrictions on high-emission vehicles. According to my research, China IV vehicles have an average remaining lifespan of five to ten years, depending on your location: economically developed areas implement restrictions earlier, while rural areas are relatively more lenient. The key is to monitor air quality targets and transportation planning. If you're concerned, you might consider upgrading to an electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle in advance. In short, don't stress too much—just stay informed about local regulations.
The service life of China IV vehicles varies by region. In major cities like Beijing or Shanghai, there may be early restriction plans, while smaller areas offer more freedom. My China IV car has been running fine for several years, but it's important to stay updated on policy changes. Conservatively speaking, most regions should allow operation for at least five more years. With proper daily maintenance, there shouldn't be any issues.
