How to Determine China 5 Emission Standard from Vehicle License?
3 Answers
A vehicle license does not indicate which China emission standard the vehicle complies with. This information can only be found on the accompanying environmental protection documentation. Since 2019, many regions and cities across China have implemented the China 6 emission standard, starting with the China 6a standard initially, with plans to transition to the stricter China 6b standard in the future. The China 6a standard serves as an interim measure during the transition from China 5 to China 6, making it relatively less stringent. The China 6b standard represents the true China 6 standard with significantly stricter requirements. Officially named 'National Sixth-Stage Emission Standards for Light-Duty Vehicles', the China 6 standard was established to prevent environmental pollution from exhaust emissions of compression-ignition and gas-fueled spark-ignition engine vehicles, protect ecosystems, and safeguard public health.
I noticed that the vehicle license doesn't directly indicate the emission standard (like China 5), so you'll need to put in some extra effort. The vehicle license primarily registers vehicle information and owner details. To confirm if it's China 5 compliant, first note down the 'Vehicle Model' or VIN number on the certificate. For example, if the model is 'XYZ456', you can record it and then search online using the environmental protection directory or the official website of the environmental protection bureau. Input the number to query, and the system will display the emission standard. Generally, China 5 compliant vehicles were produced after 2017. If you've just purchased the car or recently registered it, it's most likely China 5. With increasing urban traffic restrictions, China 5 vehicles face fewer limitations when entering city centers. I've helped friends check before and found this method simple and reliable. Don't rely solely on the vehicle license to make a conclusion; checking other documents is safer. When buying a used car, pay attention as the emission standard directly affects the price—China 5 cars retain higher value. There are also free online tools available for checking.
As someone who frequently handles vehicle-related matters, I remind you to check the details on your vehicle license. It doesn't explicitly state 'China V', but the model VIN code is there. Just copy it down and input it into the environmental protection query platform online to get the answer. Nowadays, government websites all have this function - enter the VIN and it'll immediately tell you whether it's China IV or V. China V standards became widespread around 2017, so vehicles registered after that are likely compliant. If you're worried about mistakes, pull out the vehicle registration certificate - it clearly marks the emission level. Last time I helped a neighbor check, we discovered incorrect emission standards could affect urban driving restrictions - being stuck in traffic on a hot day is miserable. Regular checks help avoid fines, and it's especially important to verify during used car transactions. I recommend using mobile apps like 'Environmental Protection Pass' for quick and easy information input.
