How to Check the Emission Standard of a Vehicle
2 Answers
Here are the steps to check the emission standard of a vehicle: 1. Check the vehicle's environmental protection label: There is usually a clear mark on the back of the label. 2. Visit the vehicle management office: Bring the original or a copy of the vehicle registration certificate to the vehicle management office for inquiry. 3. Look up the vehicle's factory certificate: Generally, the vehicle's certificate is kept at the vehicle management office. It is advisable to make a copy for backup when purchasing a new car. 4. Make a rough estimate based on the vehicle's registration year: Most vehicles registered after 2008 are China IV compliant, while those registered in 2007 may be either China III or China IV. 5. Online inquiry: Visit the website of the Motor Vehicle Exhaust Pollution Supervision and Management Center to check.
When I first bought a car, I was also confused about how to check the emission standard, but later figured it out. The most straightforward way is to check the vehicle registration certificate—that little green booklet has an 'Emission Standard' column clearly stating whether it's China IV, China V, or China VI. If the certificate is lost, no problem: just download the Traffic Management 12123 App on your phone, register and log in, then enter the license plate number and owner information to access detailed data. Another method is to look for the environmental label sticker on the corner of the windshield, which usually prints the emission level number. Driving in downtown Shenzhen, the restrictions are strict—China V cars must avoid restricted zones, or face fines of several hundred yuan. When buying a new car, the salesperson provides a conformity certificate, which also records this info; for used cars, you can visit a 4S store to decode the VIN, which is located on the inner door panel or engine nameplate. In short, start with simple tools to check—it's eco-friendly and saves money.
