How Many Years Can China V Emission Standard Vehicles Be Used?
4 Answers
Vehicles from 2008 to 2013 adopted the China IV emission standard. Based on this time difference, the restriction period is still far away. Moreover, the mandatory scrapping mileage is limited to 600,000 kilometers, so China IV vehicles won't be scrapped as long as they pass annual inspections. Referring to the gradual restrictions on China III vehicles after the full implementation of China V in 2017, even so, there hasn't been widespread restrictions on China III vehicles nationwide. Before July 1, 2025, domestic vehicles will still be tested according to the China V standard. Additionally, according to Articles 8 and 10 of the 'Mandatory Vehicle Scrapping Standards', the service life of semi-trailers is 15 years. The 'retirement' periods for various types of motor vehicles are clearly defined: small and micro rental passenger cars have a service life of 8 years, medium rental passenger cars 10 years, large rental passenger cars 12 years, and public transport passenger cars 13 years, etc. The state will guide the scrapping of motor vehicles that reach certain mileage limits, with the 'upper limit' for small and micro non-operational passenger cars set at 600,000 kilometers.
I've been driving a China V emission standard car for almost five years now, and overall it feels pretty good. As long as the car is in good condition and maintained on schedule—like getting an annual emissions test and oil change—I estimate it can last at least another seven or eight years. Although the China VI standard is now in place, China V cars can still be driven in most areas without a mandatory phase-out deadline. The key is to watch for changes in local policies. Big cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen might impose earlier restrictions on China V cars entering urban areas, but rural areas and smaller cities will see less impact. I suggest fellow car owners regularly check environmental policy updates, keep up with vehicle maintenance, and not rush to replace their cars—saving money is always a plus. In the long run, upgrading to a new energy vehicle is the trend, but China V cars remain quite practical for the short term.
From a policy perspective, I understand that the China V emission standard was fully implemented in 2017, and now China VI has become widespread. However, there's no mandatory retirement age for China V vehicles, with an average lifespan of 10 to 15 years being perfectly viable—this mainly depends on the owner's usage habits and local regulations. Some regions, including certain provincial capitals, are planning to gradually restrict China V vehicles from entering urban centers after 2025, but this isn't a nationwide policy. My view is: as long as the vehicle meets emission standards and passes annual inspections, continuing to drive it is quite cost-effective. During routine maintenance, pay attention to checking the catalytic converter and EGR system to avoid wasting money on minor issues. If you plan to keep the vehicle long-term, I recommend setting aside more maintenance funds and waiting for clearer policies before making decisions. This approach is more practical than worrying about retirement timelines.
I believe China 5 vehicles can still be used, but environmental pressures require careful handling. Having driven a China 5 vehicle for years, I've found it remains road-legal as long as it passes emission tests. While the government encourages phasing out older vehicles, China 5 models aren't being banned outright - there might be a grace period until 2030. For daily driving, maintaining a healthy exhaust system and regular throttle body cleaning saves money while being eco-friendly. Long-term, hybrid or electric vehicles are more sustainable options.
