How to Identify China IV and China V Vehicles?
3 Answers
The methods to identify China IV and China V vehicles are: 1. For vehicles that have already received the environmental protection inspection qualification mark, the emission standard can be viewed on the original or duplicate of the environmental protection inspection qualification mark; 2. You can log in to the Motor Vehicle Environmental Protection Website and enter the vehicle model and engine model in the New Vehicle Compliance Query System to check the emission standard. China IV and China V refer to different stages of emission standards stipulated by the national regulations. The higher the number of the emission standard, the higher the level, and the higher the level, the lower the engine emissions will be. Emission standards refer to the regulations on the content of harmful gases such as carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, and carbon smoke emitted from vehicle exhaust.
I have quite a bit of experience and always pay attention to these details when buying a car. The simplest way to check for China IV or China V standards is to open the hood and look for the nameplate or the label on the door frame—it should say GB IV or V. For new cars, just check the conformity certificate; for used cars, look up the VIN on the environmental protection official website or input it into an app to check. The production year is also a clue: China IV cars were mostly produced between 2011 and 2015, while China V cars came after 2015. Be aware that policies are stricter in big cities—China IV cars might not be eligible for registration or might face driving restrictions. A friend of mine ended up wasting money because of this. Always double-check to avoid trouble, especially since environmental standards update quickly. A good car means good air quality too.
I used a tech helper to get this done. Just download a car app on your phone, enter the VIN code under the windshield, and in seconds it shows whether the emissions are China IV or V—super fast and accurate. China V is newer tech than China IV, with lower particulate emissions, which is great for the environment. Generally, cars after around 2010 are China IV, and after 2015 are China V, but don’t rely solely on the year—sometimes modifications mean you need to verify. Choosing a China V car when buying is more worry-free, with easier registration and policy support. Our generation of young people loves clean air, and checking emissions is as easy as playing a game—highly recommend you try it!
