
There is a subsidy for vehicle scrappage. Vehicles will still be forcibly scrapped under these two circumstances. First, "after maintenance adjustments or the use of control technology, the pollutants or noise emissions into the atmosphere still fail to meet the relevant national standards for in-use vehicles." Second, "after the validity period of the in-use vehicle expires." New 2021 Vehicle Scrappage Regulations: Private cars include 5-seat sedans and 7-seat SUV models. Non-operational small and micro vehicles have no service life limit but are capped at 600,000 kilometers. The state will guide their scrappage. For vehicles over 15 years old that have not reached 600,000 kilometers, annual inspections are required twice a year, and those failing the inspection will be scrapped. Taxis have a service life of 8 years. Upon reaching this limit, they are forcibly scrapped at Beijing's vehicle scrappage facility. Domestic pickup trucks must be scrapped after 15 years. Medium-sized taxi buses have a service life of 10 years. Upon reaching the time limit, they are forcibly guided to scrappage. Heavy, medium, and light trucks have a service life of 15 years. Upon reaching the time limit, they are forcibly scrapped. Semi-trailer tractors have a service life of 15 years. Upon reaching the time limit, they are forcibly scrapped. Micro trucks have a service life of 12 years. Upon reaching the time limit, they must be scrapped. Procedures for Scrapping Vehicles: For motor vehicles that have reached the state-mandated scrappage, the driver must carry the vehicle registration certificate, license plate number, driving license, and the original vehicle. The vehicle recycling company will confirm the dismantling of the vehicle and issue a "Certificate of Scrapped Vehicle Recycling" to the vehicle owner. Within 7 days of receiving the "Application for Vehicle De-registration, Recovery/Cancellation of Registration," "Vehicle Registration Certificate," "License Plate Number," "Driving License," and "Certificate of Scrapped Vehicle Recycling," the vehicle recycling company must submit the dismantled vehicle's documents to the vehicle management office. The vehicle management office will issue a "Motor Vehicle De-registration Certificate" to the driver. The driver can then use this certificate to handle other vehicle-related procedures, such as road maintenance fee cancellation, and complete the scrappage process.

I've been driving for over 20 years, and recently scrapped a 10-year-old clunker, surprisingly receiving a subsidy of several thousand yuan. This isn't anything new, as many places have policies encouraging people to phase out old vehicles, especially gasoline or diesel cars that exceed emission standards due to their high pollution levels. The government offers subsidies to reduce air pollution while stimulating the purchase of environmentally friendly new cars. The process wasn't too troublesome: I went to a designated local recycling station, where my car was inspected to meet the criteria. After filling out a few forms and providing my ID and original vehicle registration, the money arrived in my account within a week or two. The amount varies by location and vehicle type, with larger cities possibly offering higher subsidies. An added benefit is that buying an electric vehicle after scrapping can save you even more money. I recommend car owners check official websites or inquire at the vehicle management office for the latest policies to avoid missing out. Consider scrapping when regular maintenance shows your car is aging—saving on repair costs while being eco-friendly.

As a long-term researcher in transportation policies, I can confirm that vehicle scrappage does come with subsidies. This system originates from environmental strategies of various countries, aiming to phase out highly polluting vehicles. China, for example, has its old vehicle renewal program. Subsidies are typically issued by the government under conditions such as the vehicle reaching a certain age (e.g., over 10 years), failing emission standards, or having prohibitively high repair costs. Applicants need to submit complete documentation, including registration certificates and proof of ownership, to authorized recycling centers. The subsidy amount varies by region, ranging from a few hundred to several thousand yuan, but the overarching goal is to incentivize green mobility. On a deeper level, the subsidy mechanism may also include additional incentives in cities with driving restrictions or bundled benefits for new energy vehicles. In practice, vehicle owners should stay updated on policy changes and be wary of fraudulent intermediaries. Overall, this is a positive welfare measure that contributes to sustainable societal development.

From an environmental perspective, the scrappage subsidy is fantastic—it effectively reduces vehicle exhaust pollution. The policy provides cash incentives for car owners to retire old vehicles and replace them with low-emission models, thereby improving air quality. I fully support this mechanism. The subsidy amounts are reasonable, allocated based on vehicle condition and local policies, with an easy process: just visit an official recycling point and complete simple paperwork to receive payment. The key benefits go beyond financial incentives; it also promotes green transformation, such as the long-term cost savings and environmental benefits of switching to electric vehicles. Everyone can participate—don't let old cars sit idle and pollute the environment.


