What National Emission Standard Does 2009 Belong To?
3 Answers
09-year vehicles belong to the National IV emission standard. On December 21, 2010, the Ministry of Environmental Protection stated that the standards for National IV vehicle fuel had not yet been issued, making it impossible to ensure the nationwide supply of corresponding vehicle fuel. After discussions with relevant departments, the implementation date of the National IV standard for motor vehicles was appropriately adjusted. Therefore, vehicles from 2009 adhere to the National IV standard. Here are methods to identify a vehicle's emission standard: 1. The vehicle emission standard cannot be determined by appearance. To identify whether it belongs to National IV or other standards, you can check the vehicle's fuel consumption label. 2. Vehicle fuel consumption label: Light-duty vehicles will display three types of fuel consumption labels indicating urban, suburban, and combined driving conditions. Additionally, imported new vehicles must also display a fuel consumption label.
Back in 2009, most vehicles fell under the China III emission standard. I remember it clearly because I had just bought a new car then. However, stricter cities like Beijing and Shanghai implemented the China IV standard earlier, so 2009 cars in major cities might actually be China IV compliant. Nowadays you need to be careful with these older vehicles - many areas already ban China III cars from urban zones, and the annual emissions inspections are particularly strict. Just last week, my friend's 2009 Passat failed emissions tests three times during inspection, and only passed after replacing the catalytic converter. If you're considering buying a used car from that era, make absolutely sure to verify its emission standard.
Most vehicles from 2009 complied with the China III emission standards, but some regions implemented China IV standards earlier. When I was assisting with vehicle inspections at the DMV, I noticed significant differences in tailpipe emission test values among vehicles manufactured in the same year of 2009. China III vehicles are now mostly 15 years old, and many cities have begun restricting their use. For example, Hangzhou last year prohibited China III diesel vehicles from entering the ring expressway. If you're currently driving such a vehicle, it's best to carry the environmental protection label with you, as traffic police strictly enforce regulations on certain road sections. Additionally, remember to choose fuel from reputable gas stations, as substandard fuel is particularly prone to causing excessive emissions.
