How much longer can China IV vehicles be driven?

[Eddie]

At least five years without driving restrictions. Additional information: 1. There will always be a grace period before new policies take effect. After China VI standards are implemented, it will take at least 3 years before driving restrictions are introduced, and according to convention, these should target China III vehicles first. China IV vehicles can still be driven for several more years without issues. 2. China IV and China V vehicles account for nearly 70% of the national vehicle fleet. With China VI vehicles alone unable to meet existing demand, the government won't implement driving restrictions for China IV vehicles in the short term. 3. By the time the government considers mandatory measures for China V and China IV vehicles, these cars will have nearly reached their service life anyway. The average lifespan of a vehicle is only about ten years, so after a decade, these vehicles should naturally be replaced.

[Sandra]

My National IV standard car has been purchased for over five years. Recently, I often see in the news that big cities are restricting high-emission vehicles from entering urban areas, such as Beijing and Shanghai, which have already started strictly controlling National III standard cars. The National IV standard was implemented around 2014, and it is estimated that it can still be driven for seven or eight more years. There is no unified official deadline, and it may be gradually phased out around 2030, but it depends on regional policies. Small cities or rural areas have fewer restrictions, so it can still be used. I plan to replace it with a National VI standard car or an electric vehicle in three or four years. For now, during maintenance, I pay attention to cleaning the engine and exhaust pipe to extend its lifespan and reduce pollution. However, policy changes are unpredictable, so I suggest keeping an eye on the local environmental protection department’s website to avoid sudden restrictions affecting travel. Safety first, after all. In short, don’t worry too much; just plan reasonably.

[McTucker]

Having been in this business for over a decade, I've observed significant fluctuations in the used car market for National IV emission standard vehicles. Their value is declining, especially with increasing traffic restrictions in first-tier cities, which raises buyer concerns. These vehicles are estimated to remain road-legal for another five to ten years, depending on the region—earlier restrictions likely in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, while other areas may see slower implementation. I've seen well-maintained models running smoothly for up to fifteen years, but upkeep is crucial: regular oil changes and engine cleaning to prevent clogging from stop-and-go traffic. The trend over the next five years is clear—National VI and electric vehicles will dominate, so I advise owners to sell sooner rather than later. Don't miss out on current market subsidies; delaying could mean lower prices. While I've personally tuned several National IV cars to extend their lifespan, modifications can't alter emission classification, so policy risks shouldn't be underestimated.

[DelJuliette]

Driving a China IV standard vehicle poses significant environmental pressure, as outdated emission standards lead to heavy air pollution. The government encourages phasing out old vehicles, with plans to gradually restrict China IV vehicles from roads by 2030. Many cities are now implementing regional driving restrictions. How much longer can you drive? It depends on policy implementation: if the 14th Five-Year Plan accelerates, you might have about five years left. It's recommended to drive less, maintain more, or upgrade to China VI standards—personal driving habits matter greatly. Regular maintenance can reduce emissions and preserve your car, but don't rely on luck. Environmental protection is a collective responsibility; switching to energy-efficient vehicles sooner benefits both yourself and others. Don't wait until driving bans bring regret.