Where to Check a Vehicle's Emission Standards?
2 Answers
Methods to check are as follows: 1. Take the vehicle registration certificate (green book) and driving license to the vehicle management office and ask the staff to check. 2. For a newly purchased vehicle, there is a new vehicle conformity certificate which contains the vehicle's emission standards. However, when registering the license plate, the new vehicle conformity certificate will be retained by the vehicle management office for record purposes. Therefore, it is recommended to make a copy for personal use when buying a new vehicle. 3. Website inquiry: Log in to the "Motor Vehicle Environmental Protection Website", click "This inquiry system is only for newly produced vehicles. Click here to inquire about other vehicles' compliance status". Follow the prompts to enter the information and click the inquiry button. Finally, compare the vehicle model and engine model based on the inquiry results, and verify with the vehicle's manufacturing date and the public date in the inquiry results. 4. Make a rough distinction based on the time of license plate registration. This method is less accurate because the implementation time of emission standards varies across the country. In the past, there was an environmental protection sticker during annual inspections, through which you could check the vehicle's emission standard. However, since 2017, the environmental protection sticker has been abolished during annual inspections.
As a car owner with years of driving experience, emission standards are quite important, especially in big cities with restricted zones. The most straightforward method is to check the owner’s manual, which contains detailed emission level records, such as China V or China VI standards. The vehicle’s nameplate is also a good place to look—it’s usually attached to the door frame or under the hood, displaying the license plate number and emission info at a glance. I always check this when buying a car because non-compliant vehicles with excessive exhaust emissions may fail the annual inspection. Regular engine maintenance can also help reduce emissions. If the manual is missing, use the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to look up official data on environmental protection websites—everything is there. We all share responsibility for the worsening environment, so paying attention to emissions helps reduce pollution. When buying a new car, prioritize low-emission models—they’re fuel-efficient and eco-friendly. If the nameplate is damaged, try checking the vehicle registration certificate, which includes environmental labels. Regular car maintenance is fundamental—don’t just drive without caring for it. In short, starting with small steps brings peace of mind.