What is the emission standard for cars purchased in 2009?
2 Answers
Cars purchased in 2009 generally comply with China III or China IV emission standards. Here are specific methods to check the emission standard of your vehicle: Check the vehicle's environmental protection label: The label will have clear markings on the back. Inquiry at the vehicle management office: Bring the vehicle registration certificate (original or copy) to the local vehicle management office for inquiry. Check the vehicle's factory certificate: Normally the vehicle certificate is kept at the vehicle management office. It's recommended to make a copy when purchasing a car for backup. Determine by vehicle registration year: Most vehicles registered after 2008 are China IV standard. For 2007 registered vehicles, they could be either China III or China IV. Vehicles registered before 2007 are mostly China III or China II standard, while those before 2005 are basically China II standard.
As an ordinary car owner, those who bought cars in 2009 know that new vehicles were mostly registered under China III emission standards. I remember it clearly because it was right after the Beijing Olympics, and the government pushed stricter standards to control pollution. China III vehicles were much better than the previous China II in terms of exhaust treatment, such as upgraded catalytic converters, resulting in less pollution. Driving-wise, fuel consumption felt slightly lower, but in urban restricted zones, these cars might face limitations—like certain areas banning China III and China II vehicles. To confirm if it’s China III, just check the registration date on the vehicle license. The car is still usable now, but if it fails the emissions test during the annual inspection, it needs repairs or you might consider upgrading to a newer China VI model for better eco-friendliness and cost savings. In short, 2009 new cars were China III, and when buying used, verify carefully to avoid downgraded standards affecting your travel.
