What is the difference between yellow-label and green-label vehicles?

[Colin]

The main difference between yellow-label and green-label vehicles lies in the level of vehicle exhaust emissions. Green-label vehicles refer to those that meet the Euro 1 or Euro 2 emission standards, and are issued a green environmental protection label by the environmental protection department. Yellow-label vehicles are a nickname for high-pollution emission vehicles, which are gasoline vehicles that do not meet the National I emission standard or diesel vehicles that do not meet the National III emission standard. They are called yellow-label vehicles because they are affixed with a yellow environmental protection label. The purpose of establishing yellow-label and green-label vehicles is to alleviate urban traffic congestion and air pollution, and to promote the phase-out of older vehicles. A rough distinction between yellow-label and green-label vehicles: gasoline vehicles registered before 2000 and diesel vehicles registered before 2008 are considered yellow-label vehicles. Some purely imported models are exceptions. For used cars that have been in use for many years, the most accurate way to determine whether their emission standards are compliant is to conduct an environmental inspection of vehicle exhaust emissions. Yellow-label vehicles generally have high emissions, high concentrations, and poor emission stability, which significantly impact urban air pollution. Therefore, some cities in China have implemented policies to restrict the movement of yellow-label vehicles in urban areas. Green-label vehicles refer to those that meet or exceed the National I emission standard, and are issued a green environmental protection label by the environmental protection department. The green label also has a validity period. After the environmental protection label expires, the vehicle must undergo exhaust emission testing according to regulations, and a new label will be issued based on the results. Below are the National I, National II, National III, Euro 1, and Euro 2 emission standards: National I (National I) Emission Standard: The National I standard was implemented nationwide on July 1, 2001, referencing the Euro 1 standard. It mainly sets limits for carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and particulate emissions, with carbon monoxide at 3.16 grams per kilometer and hydrocarbons at 1.13 grams per kilometer. Vehicles that meet the National I standard are classified as National I vehicles. National II (National II) Emission Standard: The National II standard was implemented nationwide on July 1, 2004. Compared to the National I standard, the National II standard further increased the requirements for emissions, reducing single-vehicle pollutant emissions of carbon monoxide by 30% and hydrocarbons and carbon oxides by 55%. National III (National III) Emission Standard: The National III standard was implemented nationwide on July 1, 2007. To reduce pollutant emissions, National III vehicles underwent technical upgrades and modifications to the engine and exhaust system, including the addition of an onboard diagnostic system and upgrades to the three-way catalytic converter. Compared to National II, National III reduces total pollutant emissions by 40%. Euro 1 Emission Standard: Carbon monoxide must not exceed 3.16g per kilometer. Hydrocarbons must not exceed 1.13g per kilometer. Diesel vehicle particulate matter must not exceed 0.18g per kilometer. Euro 2 Emission Standard: Carbon monoxide must not exceed 2.2g per kilometer. Hydrocarbons must not exceed 0.5g per kilometer. Diesel vehicle carbon monoxide must not exceed 1.0g per kilometer.

[OLukas]

I used to drive a yellow-label car, which was extremely old with severe exhaust emissions exceeding standards. It would emit black smoke as soon as it hit the road. After an inspection by the environmental protection department, it was given a yellow-label tag, indicating high pollution, and was banned from entering many cities. In contrast, green-label cars pass new vehicle tests with clean emissions and face almost no restrictions. I remember after switching to a green-label car last year, I had no worries about city access and didn’t have to fear fines. The main difference lies in the emission standards: yellow-label corresponds to outdated or non-compliant emissions, while green-label represents compliance with modern environmental requirements. The government uses this system to phase out polluting vehicles and even offers subsidies for those who switch to green-label cars. For the sake of the environment, pay extra attention to emission reports during regular annual inspections—replacing your car early can save a lot of hassle. When driving, seeing yellow-label cars emitting smoke in restricted zones really makes me worry about air quality.

[StVictoria]

From an environmental perspective, the difference between yellow-label and green-label vehicles mainly lies in their impact on air quality. Yellow-label vehicles, being older models, emit large amounts of harmful gases such as PM2.5 and nitrogen dioxide, polluting the air and increasing health risks. Green-label vehicles utilize advanced technology to control emissions and are affixed with a green label once they meet national standards. In terms of policy, various regions are restricting the use of yellow-label vehicles, such as completely banning them from city centers, and encouraging people to switch to green-label vehicles. I've learned that the difference is evident in annual inspections: yellow-label vehicles that exceed emission standards cannot continue to be driven, while green-label vehicles that pass can be used normally. In the long run, driving green-label vehicles is more environmentally friendly and has lower maintenance costs, given their lower emissions and fuel consumption. It's advisable to check your vehicle's label color and prepare early for policy changes.

[PeytonDella]

Yellow-label vehicles are high-pollution emission vehicles marked with yellow labels, while green-label vehicles are clean and low-emission, identified with green labels. Simply put, yellow-label vehicles are older models that fail tailpipe emission tests and are restricted from entering many low-emission zones. Green-label vehicles are either new or compliant models with qualified emissions and no restrictions. The government uses this classification system to control urban pollution and protect air quality. When driving, pay attention to the vehicle label color to avoid violations, stay eco-friendly, and save money. In daily life, switching to a green-label vehicle is more cost-effective.