How to Determine a Car's Emission Standard?
2 Answers
Look at the front windshield, where there is an environmental protection label for the car, clearly indicating the standard. Below are other methods to determine a car's emission standard: 1. Visit a website: Log in to the Motor Vehicle Environmental Protection Network, enter the vehicle model you want to query along with the verification code, and you can check the car's environmental standard. 2. Check the purchase documents: The materials provided by the dealer include the emission standard identifier. 3. Judge based on the car's manufacturing year: After 2015, most cars meet the China V standard; in 2014, some meet China IV, others China V; cars registered in 2007 may meet China III or China IV; those from 2005 are mostly China II.
When I bought a used car, I encountered the issue of emission standards (National Stage). Now I know some methods. You can directly check the vehicle registration certificate (the green book) and turn to the pollution emission standard section, which will indicate the stage like National 5 or National 6. If you can't find it, check the label on the door frame. The production year can give a rough guess—most National 5 cars were made after 2016, and National 6 cars started from 2020, but the year isn't accurate due to policy differences across regions (e.g., Beijing and Shanghai may have implemented earlier). The most accurate way is to use the VIN number (17-digit number on the lower left of the windshield) and enter it on websites like the Ministry of Ecology and Environment's query system or apps like Dongchedi to display the emission standard. Note that the emission standard affects the vehicle's value, annual inspection, and whether it can be driven on the road—I once mistakenly bought a National 3 car with severe driving restrictions. It's recommended to check before purchasing to avoid future troubles, especially in the used car market. For new cars, choosing National 6 is more eco-friendly, hassle-free, and has slightly lower maintenance costs.
