How to Determine the National Emission Standard of a Vehicle?
2 Answers
Here are the methods to check the national emission standard of a vehicle: 1. The simplest and most direct way is to look at the front windshield, where the vehicle's environmental protection label is usually clearly marked. 2. Log in to the Motor Vehicle Exhaust Pollution Supervision and Management website: Motor Vehicle Environmental Protection Network, to conduct a query. 3. Refer to the documents provided by the dealer at the time of purchase. Most of the information can be found on the vehicle conformity page or the first page of the vehicle's certificate of conformity. 4. If you still can't find it, take the vehicle registration form or a copy to the vehicle management office for inquiry. 5. Make a rough estimation based on the year the vehicle was registered, as follows: (1) Most vehicles registered after 2008 are National IV. (2) Vehicles registered in 2007 could be either National III or National IV. (3) Vehicles registered before 2007 are mostly below National IV, i.e., National II or National III. (4) Vehicles registered before 2005 are mostly National II. 6. It's important to note that if there's a discrepancy between the vehicle's product certificate and the website query, the standard found on the website should be used as the final reference.
There are several ways to check your car's emission standard. I remember when I sold my car last time, these methods helped confirm it was China V, which greatly affected the price. The most straightforward way is to check the vehicle registration date. If the car was registered between 2011 and 2017, it's likely China IV; after 2017, most are China V or VI. The DMV has records, so you can also bring your vehicle license to inquire. Another method is to look at the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the lower left corner of the windshield. Copy that code and enter it on the environmental protection bureau's official website or app for immediate results. Normally, the emission standard is labeled on the environmental sticker pasted on the front windshield, like China III or IV, but new cars might not have it. Emission standards are linked to traffic restrictions—some cities ban China III and below from entering urban areas, and annual inspections can be strict. Checking early gives peace of mind. If you're unsure, ask a repair shop to help decode the VIN; they're familiar with it.
