How to Determine a Vehicle's Emission Standard (National Standard Level)?
2 Answers
Here are the specific methods to check which national emission standard a vehicle complies with: 1. Check the vehicle's environmental protection label, which typically has clear markings on the back. 2. Visit the website of the Motor Vehicle Exhaust Pollution Supervision and Management Center for inquiry. 3. Bring the original or a copy of the vehicle registration certificate to the local vehicle management office for query. 4. For new vehicles, check the factory-issued vehicle compliance certificate, which is usually kept at the vehicle management office. It is advisable to make a copy for backup when purchasing a car. 5. Make a rough estimation based on the vehicle's registration year. Most vehicles registered after 2008 comply with China IV standard. Vehicles registered in 2007 may be China III or China IV, while those registered before 2007 are mostly China III or China II. Vehicles registered before 2005 are predominantly China II standard.
As a seasoned driver with years of experience, the most straightforward way to determine a car's emission standard (e.g., China 5 or China 6) is to check the vehicle registration certificate. That big green booklet clearly states the emission level, as it's officially mandated information. I always verify this when purchasing a car to ensure accuracy, as it directly impacts urban driving restrictions—in major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen, vehicles below China 5 may be barred from central areas. If the document is lost, you can apply for a replacement at the traffic management department or use the 'Motor Vehicle Environmental Protection Inquiry' app by entering the license plate number for a free check—it's incredibly convenient. Additionally, the environmental sticker on the windshield sometimes displays emission details; pay attention during routine maintenance and ask the mechanic to verify it. Don’t overlook these details to avoid fines or reduced resale value. In short, official documents are the simplest and most reliable source.
