How much longer can National V emission standard vehicles be driven?
4 Answers
How much longer National V emission standard vehicles can be driven still depends on policy requirements, as there is currently no ban notice for National V standard vehicles. Below is more information about National V and National VI vehicles: 1. National V vehicles: These are vehicles that comply with the 'National Fifth Stage Motor Vehicle Pollutant Emission Standards'. 2. National VI vehicles: The symbol for National VI is 'VI'. China has already promulgated the National VI vehicle emission standards, which are divided into two phases: National VIa and National VIb. The National VIa phase was officially implemented in 2020, and the National VIb phase was officially implemented in 2023.
I've researched vehicle emission policies, and cars meeting the China 5 emission standards can still be driven normally in the coming years, depending on the region and time. Currently, major cities like Beijing and Shanghai have traffic restriction plans, but most third- and fourth-tier cities don't have strict limits yet. According to the Ministry of Ecology and Environment documents, China 5 vehicles can stay on the road until at least 2028. However, with the promotion of China 6 standards, cities like Shenzhen may establish emission zones earlier. From my observation, policy changes are quite slow. Unless you live in the city center, driving a China 5 car for five to eight years shouldn't be a problem if the vehicle is in good condition. Just pay attention to local announcements to avoid exceeding emission standards. Regular maintenance of the engine and exhaust system can delay obsolescence. In the long run, transitioning to new energy vehicles is the trend, but that doesn't mean China 5 cars will be immediately scrapped.
I've been driving a China V emission standard car for three years and feel it can still run for a long time. There are no issues with daily city driving here, as our local policies are lenient with no traffic restrictions. Keeping the car in good condition is key—I regularly maintain it, change the oil, and check the exhaust pipe to prevent aging. I estimate it can last another five to eight years unless the government suddenly introduces new regulations. My advice is not to worry too much and focus on maintenance: clean the air filter and avoid overloading. If selling it second-hand, it might still fetch some value, so get an evaluation early to avoid severe depreciation. In most small towns, nobody really cares about emission standards.
As an environmentally conscious individual, I believe that while National V vehicles can still be driven, they pollute more than National VI models. In the long run, they will be phased out gradually, though current policies haven't set a fixed timeline; major cities are taking the lead while smaller areas follow more slowly. I recommend switching to low-emission or electric vehicles as soon as possible for better health. Driving your current car for a few more years isn't an issue, but the key lies in reducing unnecessary driving habits.
