How to Check Whether a Vehicle is China V or China VI?
3 Answers
To check whether a vehicle is China V or China VI, you can: 1. Refer to the environmental information accompanying the vehicle list; 2. Check the vehicle's conformity certificate; 3. Look at the vehicle's environmental label. Vehicle emission standards refer to regulations on the content of harmful gases such as carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, and soot emitted from vehicle exhaust. The differences between China V and China VI are: 1. Different emission standards: China VI's emission standards are more than 30% stricter than China V's; 2. Different principles: China V has different emission standards for diesel and gasoline vehicles; China VI adopts a fuel-neutral principle, meaning the emission limits are the same regardless of the fuel type used.
When buying a car, I always pay attention to the emission standards. Generally, you can check the vehicle conformity certificate or registration document, which clearly indicates whether it meets China V or China VI standards. Alternatively, look at the nameplate on the door frame or in the engine compartment—it also states the emission level. Online searches are very convenient; just enter the license plate number or VIN on the environmental protection bureau’s official website to get the results—simple and free. In fact, emission standards affect vehicle operating costs. For example, some cities restrict entry to low-emission zones for only China VI-compliant vehicles, so I often remind friends to check regularly to ensure their cars comply. Mobile apps like Traffic Management 12123 also allow quick queries—just a few taps for the answer. If no information is available, contact the dealer to clarify early and avoid future hassles.
I've seen many vehicles encounter issues due to unclear emission standards. Simply locate the VIN on your car, usually found under the hood or on the dashboard side, then search online for the environmental department's website to input and check—this will accurately tell you whether it's China 5 or China 6 compliant. The emission standard is also often marked on the nameplate located at the B-pillar or door frame. For car owners, this is quite crucial—for instance, China 6 vehicles have cleaner emissions and easier maintenance. I recommend that drivers develop a habit of regular checks to avoid restrictions in certain environmental zones. Don’t overlook the environmental label affixed to the front windshield; it can also serve as a reference.
