Where to Check Vehicle Emission Standards?
4 Answers
Vehicle emission standards can be checked through the VIN code. The locations of the VIN code are: 1. Left side of the dashboard; 2. Lower left side of the windshield; 3. On the vehicle's nameplate; 4. On the body above the right front shock absorber; 5. In the trunk area; 6. On the door hinge pillar, door lock pillar, or one of the door edges connected to the lock pillar. The VIN code refers to the Vehicle Identification Number, consisting of 17 characters, which includes the vehicle's manufacturer, year, model, body type and code, engine code, and assembly location. The functions of the VIN code are: 1. To confirm the vehicle's identity; 2. For traffic violation inquiries; 3. To check the vehicle's batch; 4. For precise parts lookup.
A few days ago, I just helped a friend check his car's emission standard. We went straight to the car to find that small label—it's usually on the metal plate under the engine hood or the inner side of the door frame, with a yellow-green environmental protection sticker indicating the national emission standard (e.g., China IV, China V, etc.). You can also check the vehicle license; the environmental registration number typically specifies the emission level. Some models have this information recorded in the user manual or purchase invoice. With increasingly strict environmental regulations, knowing your car's standard helps determine whether modifications or filter maintenance are needed. For instance, China VI-compliant vehicles have higher requirements, and regular checks can reduce exhaust pollution's impact on air quality and health. My friend's car is older, identified as China IV, but with proper maintenance, it’s fine. This method is simple and practical—no need for professionals, just a two-minute DIY task.
In our auto repair shop, we often get customers asking about emission standards. I usually advise them to check in a few places. The first is the environmental label at the lower right corner of the front windshield, or the vehicle identification plate inside the door frame. The second is in the environmental information section on the duplicate of the vehicle registration certificate. If these are unclear, they can search online on official platforms like the website of China's Ministry of Environmental Protection, entering the license plate number or VIN code to find out. Emission standards directly affect whether a vehicle passes its annual inspection. Models meeting China V standards or above are more fuel-efficient and emit less, helping avoid fines. From an environmental perspective, low-emission vehicles offer peace of mind and contribute to reducing carbon emissions, benefiting climate change. Every time I help a customer check, I always remind them to clean the engine regularly to reduce emissions.
When it comes to checking vehicle emission standards, I think the easiest way is to look at the green environmental label on the front of the vehicle, which clearly shows the grade such as China VI. Additionally, it's also marked on the vehicle registration certificate. If you're buying a new car online, don't forget to ask the salesperson, or check the official brand database yourself by entering the model and year to quickly obtain the information. Emission standards are related to air quality, and stricter standards are needed in big cities with severe smog. Clarifying this helps in choosing environmentally friendly transportation and supporting sustainable travel. Personally, I prefer a low-carbon lifestyle and often recommend friends to share resources to reduce emission footprints. Remember to check the filtration system during daily driving to reduce pollution.
