
Except for the light-duty vehicles in Chongqing, Hebei, Shandong, Shanxi, Hainan, Henan, Anhui, Shaanxi, Sichuan, Nanjing, and Zhejiang provinces, other provinces can register China V emission standard vehicles. Below is a detailed introduction to the implementation dates of national emission standards: 1. China I standard: Implemented nationwide on July 1, 2001, mainly targeting restrictions on carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and particulate emissions. 2. China II standard: Implemented nationwide on July 1, 2004, requiring a 30% reduction in carbon monoxide and a 55% reduction in hydrocarbons and carbon oxides. 3. China III standard: Implemented nationwide on July 1, 2007, requiring a 40% reduction in total pollutant emissions compared to China II. 4. China IV standard: Implemented nationwide on July 1, 2010, requiring a 50% to 60% reduction compared to China III. 5. China V standard: Implemented nationwide on January 1, 2018, requiring a 25% reduction in nitrogen oxide emissions compared to China IV. 6. China VI standard: China VI A was implemented nationwide on July 1, 2020, and China VI B will be implemented nationwide on July 1, 2023.

I studied these policies when I was in the transportation business before. Currently, the regions where you can still register China 5 vehicles are mainly some remote areas. Guizhou, Yunnan, and Gansu provinces are completely fine. In Qinghai and Ningxia, my cousin successfully registered China 5 vehicles as late as the end of last year. Most parts of Xinjiang also allow it, though Urumqi has stricter controls. Tibet generally has more lenient policies overall. I must remind everyone that implementation may vary in these provinces—some cities may have additional requirements like local residence permits. I've heard that some cities in Inner Mongolia and Shanxi might also process registrations, but it's best to check with the local DMV in advance to avoid a wasted trip. After all, with the nationwide rollout of the China 6 standard, this policy window could close at any time.

As a post-95 car owner, I recently researched regions where China V emission standard vehicles can still be registered when helping a friend choose a car. Currently available cities are mainly concentrated in western China: the entire Guizhou province, various cities in Yunnan, all of Gansu except Lanzhou, and cities like Xining in Qinghai can still handle registrations. Special attention is needed for Xinjiang - Urumqi doesn't allow registration, but places like Kashgar and Ili's vehicle management offices still process applications. Tibet has the most lenient policies - my classmate in Lhasa successfully registered a China V pickup truck this March. There are some exceptions too, like border cities in Yunnan that may require additional procedures. Before purchasing, it's best to check the latest local policies using the Traffic Management 12123 app or directly call the local vehicle management office to confirm, and don't be misled by car dealers.

Over the years working in the automotive industry, I've found that the China V vehicle registration policy mainly caters to some less developed provinces. Currently, the areas clearly included are Yunnan, Guizhou, Sichuan (limited to Panxi region in Sichuan), the entire territories of Gansu, Qinghai, and Ningxia, as well as Xinjiang's prefectures excluding the capital city. Last year, the entire Tibet region and some leagues/cities in Inner Mongolia were newly added. However, two points should be noted: first, some cities in these regions require China V vehicles to meet local registration conditions, such as having resided in the province for at least six months; second, policies may change at any time, like Guangxi which allowed registrations last year but has stopped this year. For friends considering China V used vehicles, I recommend acting quickly and preferably choosing models manufactured within the last 3 years.


