How to Determine the Vehicle's Emission Standard
4 Answers
Methods to check a vehicle's emission standard are as follows: 1. Look at the front windshield, where the vehicle's environmental protection label is usually clearly marked. 2. Check the documents provided by the dealer at the time of purchase. Most vehicle conformity pages or the first page of the vehicle certificate will have this information. 4. Estimate based on the vehicle's manufacturing year. For example, a vehicle registered in 2007 is likely to be China III or China IV; 2005 models are mostly China II; 2014 models could be either China V or China IV; and most 2015 models are China V.
There are several ways to check your vehicle's emission standard. Having driven my car for over a decade, experience tells me to first check the vehicle registration certificate or license, where the emission level is directly stated, usually hidden in the environmental information section. If the documents are lost, don't panic—look for the environmental label sticker on the corner of the window or windshield, which prints the emission standard. In case the label is worn and illegible, try searching online using the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) found under the hood or near the steering wheel. Input it into the environmental bureau's official website or a car app, and you'll know immediately. Emission standards affect annual inspections, with vehicles below National IV possibly facing urban entry restrictions, while National VI vehicles enjoy easier maintenance. It's advisable to regularly keep vehicle documents safe to avoid trouble when needed.
Back when I was younger and buying a car, I only cared about emissions, and checking was super easy. Just download a VIN decoder tool on your phone, enter the VIN, and the results instantly show whether it's China 5 or China 6. Or go to the local environmental protection bureau website, enter the license plate number, and check online—saves time and effort. The emission standard has a big impact on fuel consumption; for example, China 6 cars are more energy-efficient and eco-friendly, and they run smoother. If the tool has no internet, the details are also in the trunk manual. Nowadays, people on forums still share query tips—it’s super convenient.
Simply put, check the nameplate on the side pillar when opening the car door - the emission level will be stated on the label. Alternatively, the environmental protection notation on the vehicle license is also clearly visible. New drivers often overlook this, but verifying it can help avoid annual inspection issues.
