How to Check the Vehicle's Emission Standard Level?
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Methods to check a vehicle's emission standard level include: 1. Refer to the vehicle's factory certificate; 2. Check the vehicle's environmental standard list; 3. Review the vehicle conformity certificate. Vehicle emission standards regulate the permissible levels of harmful gases emitted from vehicles, including carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, and soot. Current vehicle emission standards in China are categorized into: 1. National Phase I Motor Vehicle Pollutant Emission Standard; 2. National Phase VI Motor Vehicle Pollutant Emission Standard; 3. National Phase III Motor Vehicle Pollutant Emission Standard; 4. National Phase IV Motor Vehicle Pollutant Emission Standard; 5. National Phase V Motor Vehicle Pollutant Emission Standard; 6. National Phase VI Motor Vehicle Pollutant Emission Standard.
Checking your vehicle's emission standard is actually quite simple, something I often help car owners with during repairs. The most straightforward method is to look for the environmental label on the windshield, which clearly states the emission level like China V or China VI. If the label is missing or illegible, check the vehicle registration certificate (commonly called the "big green book"), where emission data can be found on page N. Alternatively, you can input the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) into official platforms like the Ministry of Ecology and Environment or transportation department apps – just enter it on your phone for instant results. For older vehicles without labels, you'll need to estimate based on manufacturing year – for instance, China V became widespread in 2017, while China VI was upgraded in 2020. This matters significantly since urban traffic restrictions are based solely on emission standards, and mistakes could lead to fines. I always recommend verifying before driving to avoid hassles. Pro tip: have your repair shop check during routine maintenance – they've got specialized tools for quick verification. Never guess blindly, as transportation disruptions aren't worth the risk.