
In urban areas where the China VI emission standards have already been implemented, vehicles with China V emission standards cannot be registered. Below are detailed introductions regarding the China VI emission standards: Implementation Timeline of China VI Standards: The China VI standards for vehicle emissions are divided into two phases: 6a and 6b. These two standards officially came into effect in July 2020 and July 2023, respectively. Requirements of China VI Emission Standards: Under the China VI emission standards, gasoline vehicles will see a reduction of approximately 50% in carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, non-methane hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxide emissions compared to the China V phase, with particulate matter emissions reduced by about 40%. For heavy-duty diesel vehicles, nitrogen oxides and particulate matter will be reduced by more than 60% compared to the China V phase.

China V vehicles can still be registered in some remote areas of China, such as parts of Gansu and Qinghai in the northwest, and mountainous regions of Yunnan and Guizhou in the southwest. These areas are relatively underdeveloped economically, with slower upgrades in emission standards, leading to more flexible policies. I recommend checking the official website of the local vehicle management office or calling their hotline to confirm, to avoid unnecessary trips. Before purchasing, it's best to ask local friends to check the situation on the ground or search for experiences shared by users on automotive forums. Considering the tightening environmental trends, these opportunities may become increasingly scarce, so acting quickly is wise. Additionally, if registration is successful, be aware that resale or annual inspections might face restrictions in the future, affecting the cost of ownership. Overall, while China V vehicle registration is banned in most major cities, there remains a glimmer of hope in smaller inland towns.

I heard some people still managed to register China 5 emission standard vehicles recently, like in certain small cities in Xinjiang or remote areas of Inner Mongolia. I drove there for work before, and locals told me the DMV is still accepting such applications. The reason is those regions have lower vehicle demand and slower fleet renewal. But don’t count on major cities—Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou stopped long ago. Before taking action, browse WeChat groups or auto channels on short-video platforms to avoid wasting money on relocation. Also, prioritize local used car inventory for easier registration. The process isn’t overly complex but time-consuming; prepare documents like emission certificates and purchase invoices in advance. In short, registration policies are more lenient in remote provinces, but verify the latest updates to ensure smooth processing.

The reason why China V vehicles can be registered in some areas is mainly due to looser local regulations, such as in mountainous regions of Yunnan or small towns in Gansu. These areas have slower upgrades in vehicle standards, leaving loopholes for car owners. I recommend directly consulting the local vehicle management office or dealers for accurate information. Additionally, compared to the China VI new regulations, the difficulty of registration is much higher, so it's best to confirm as soon as possible to avoid delays in vehicle use. Don't forget to check if the vehicle meets local requirements to prevent trouble.

To register a China V emission standard vehicle, you need to choose economically underdeveloped areas such as parts of Guizhou or Shanxi, where emission policies are less strictly enforced, allowing registration. From a market perspective, this attracts the flow of cheaper used cars and boosts sales. I recommend visiting the local vehicle management office before purchasing to inquire about details, saving both money and time. Also, consider the future trend where such options will gradually diminish, so it's better to decide early. Don't overlook the differences in subsequent maintenance costs to ensure it's cost-effective.


