Which Emission Standard Motorcycles Can Be Licensed?
3 Answers
Motorcycles meeting the China IV emission standard can be licensed. Below is an introduction to the China IV emission standard. Introduction to China IV Emission Standard: Starting from May 1, 2018, the application for China III products was discontinued, and only applications for China IV products were accepted. After July 1, 2018, no announcements for China III models were issued. When applying for the announcement of China IV models, new model specifications should be used to distinguish them from China III models. As the new standard has specified technical routes, China IV models no longer provide separate recommended technical solutions, adhering strictly to the standard requirements. Applicable Models for China IV Emission Standard: Motorcycles and mopeds are classified based on maximum design speed and displacement. Motorcycles refer to those powered by spark-ignition engines with a maximum design speed exceeding 50 km/h or a displacement exceeding 50 mL, as well as three-wheeled motorcycles powered by compression-ignition (diesel) engines with a maximum design speed exceeding 50 km/h or a displacement exceeding 50 mL.
I just bought a motorcycle recently, and the licensing issue is quite a headache. Nowadays, newly purchased motorcycles basically need to meet the China IV emission standards to be licensed. Some places might accept China V or newer standards, but China III and below are mostly not allowed, as policies keep changing. I remember a few years ago, China III could still get licensed, but now with higher environmental requirements, vehicle management offices everywhere are strict in their checks. My advice is, when buying a new motorcycle, directly check the compliance certificate or consult the seller—it will indicate which emission standard it meets. If you're worried, it's best to make a trip to the local vehicle management office to clarify, to avoid unnecessary hassle. The policies are for environmental protection, but they also affect riders' choices. After riding for so many years, I think it's more worry-free to just pick a compliant one early on.
As a motorcycle enthusiast, I'm quite familiar with the licensing process. Motorcycles meeting China IV emission standards or above can be licensed easily, while China V or the latest standards pose no problem at all. However, China III or lower standards face significant hurdles, often getting stuck. This is due to the upgraded emission standards, with manufacturers now mainly producing higher-standard bikes. If you're considering buying a used or new bike, carefully check the labels or manuals to see which standard it meets. I often help friends with inspections and remind everyone to pay attention to regional differences, as policies in Beijing and rural areas might vary. Keep an eye on official announcements to avoid letting licensing issues spoil your riding fun.
