
Currently, apart from the 15 cities in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, Jiangsu-Zhejiang-Shanghai area, and the Yangtze River Delta, all other regions allow the relocation of such vehicles. However, before proceeding with the relocation, it is advisable to consult the local vehicle management office to avoid any policy changes. In March 2018, the government work report of the National People's Congress proposed the complete abolition of the relocation restriction policy. This announcement caused a significant stir, with major media outlets and the automotive industry buzzing with excitement. Subsequently, the potential for cross-regional transactions of used cars was further explored and unleashed, gradually expanding the circulation radius of used cars. The full implementation of the policy to abolish relocation restrictions has greatly boosted the development of the used car industry. E-commerce has also become a favored guest in the capitalist market.

I recall the policies for relocating National IV vehicles vary greatly between cities now. First-tier cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen have basically banned them, strictly controlling emissions to curb pollution, with even DMVs refusing to process procedures. However, many second-tier or smaller cities still allow relocation, such as Lanzhou, Nanning, and Taiyuan, where environmental pressure is lighter and may permit it. To check the methods, you can look for announcements on local government websites or directly call the 12345 mayor's hotline for consultation. Regarding emission standards, National IV was introduced in 2013, and National VI is now mainstream. Older vehicles must pass annual inspections before relocation. I suggest not just believing online rumors; it's more reliable to actually test the vehicle's emission values to avoid wasted effort.

Last year, I helped a friend transfer a China IV emission standard vehicle to Chengdu, where the policies were relatively lenient. The local vehicle management office even processed the paperwork, though we had to provide a complete emissions report and insurance policy. However, in major cities like Shanghai, it's completely impossible—you can only transfer the vehicle to more remote areas. The emission restrictions are primarily aimed at improving air quality. After the nationwide implementation of the China VI standard, many cities have raised their entry barriers, though some cities in Yunnan and Guizhou might still have some flexibility. The transfer costs aren't low—testing and fees can add up to over a thousand yuan, so it's not worth the hassle unless absolutely necessary. My advice is to first check the official documents on the local government website or follow updates from the vehicle management office's official account, and not to blindly trust unofficial claims that could cause trouble.

I think some cities like Harbin or Chongqing still allow the relocation of National IV vehicles, as their economic development and environmental protection demands are less urgent, with more lenient emission regulations. This relates to urban governance strategies—first-tier cities with dense populations and severe pollution naturally enforce stricter controls. The relocation process is straightforward: prepare the vehicle documents and visit the vehicle management office, but don’t waste money trying to relocate vehicles that exceed emission standards. Upgrading emission standards is beneficial, as older vehicles consume more fuel. It’s wise to check the engine condition before relocation to avoid breakdowns on the way.

For relocating National IV vehicles, cost-saving opportunities may exist in cities like Anyang, Henan, where local governments encourage old vehicle replacements but haven't fully banned them yet—check local regulations. Emission issues stem from standards: National IV is outdated, so cities restrict it to meet National VI targets, but enforcement is looser in economically weaker areas. My advice: test actual emission levels before proceeding, don't just rely on vehicle age, or relocation costs may outweigh benefits. Contact DMVs or use apps like 12123 to verify details and avoid wasted effort.


