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Understanding Your Vehicle's Emission Standard: A Practical Guide to BS IV vs. BS VI

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  //automotive-transportation.news-articles.net/co .. tandard-a-practical-guide-to-bs-iv-vs-bs-vi.html
  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Friday, December 19th 2025 at 1:54 GMT by newsbytesapp.com

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Understanding Your Vehicle’s Emission Standard: A Practical Guide to BS IV vs. BS VI

The Indian government’s Bharat Stage (BS) emission standards have evolved considerably over the past decade, with BS IV and BS VI representing two major milestones in the country’s quest to curb air pollution and improve fuel efficiency. Whether you’re a new car owner, an old‑car enthusiast, or simply curious about your vehicle’s compliance, it’s essential to know whether your car is a BS IV or a BS VI machine. The article “How to find if your vehicle is BS IV or VI” on NewsBytes provides a clear, step‑by‑step roadmap to help you determine this with ease. Below is a comprehensive summary of the key points and additional context you’ll need to navigate the process.

1. Why the Distinction Matters

• Emission Standards: BS IV introduced in 2010 set tighter limits on particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) than the earlier BS III norms. BS VI, rolled out in 2020, pushed these limits even further—cutting NOx emissions by up to 85% and particulate matter by up to 90% compared to BS IV.
• Regulatory Changes: From 1 January 2020, all new passenger cars sold in India must comply with BS VI. In 2025, even older vehicles are expected to transition to BS VI compliance, meaning BS IV vehicles will become increasingly rare.
• Practical Implications: Knowing your vehicle’s BS classification helps you understand its fuel efficiency, maintenance needs, eligibility for certain government incentives, and compliance with upcoming emission‑control regulations.

2. Quick Reference: BS IV vs. BS VI

3. How to Identify Your Vehicle’s BS Standard

The article recommends a multi‑pronged approach. Here’s a concise breakdown of the methods you can use:

3.1. Check the Registration Certificate (RC)

1. Locate the “Vehicle Emission Standard” Section: On the front page of the RC, there is a field labeled “Vehicle Emission Standard” (sometimes abbreviated as “VE”).
2. Read the Value:
   • “BS IV” or “Bharat Stage IV” indicates the vehicle was manufactured under BS IV norms.
   • “BS VI” or “Bharat Stage VI” confirms compliance with the newer, stricter regulations.

If the RC is missing this information (often the case with older documents), proceed to the next steps.

3.2. Inspect the Windshield Emission Sticker

• Location: A small sticker usually placed on the inside of the driver’s side windshield.
• Content: The sticker typically displays the BS level (e.g., “BS VI”), the engine type, and sometimes a QR code that links to the vehicle’s emission record.
• What to Look For: The presence of “BS VI” or “BS IV”; if the sticker reads “BS III” or is missing, you might need to cross‑verify with other sources.

3.3. Use the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)

1. Locate the VIN: It’s usually stamped on the driver’s side dashboard near the windshield and also appears on the RC and insurance documents.
2. Decode the VIN:
   • The 10th digit of the VIN indicates the model year.
   • Compare this year with the BS roll‑out dates (BS IV vehicles were primarily manufactured from 2010 to 2015, while BS VI vehicles began appearing in 2015–2016).
3. Online Verification: Enter the VIN on the “Vehicle Information System” portal provided by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH). The portal will return the BS level among other details.

3.4. Visit the RTO (Regional Transport Office) Portal

• Step 1: Go to your state’s RTO website (e.g., https://www.rto.gov.in or a state‑specific portal).
• Step 2: Enter your vehicle registration number in the “Check Vehicle Details” or “Verify Registration” section.
• Step 3: The portal will display the vehicle’s emission standard along with other registration details.

3.5. Check with the Dealership or Manufacturer

• Dealers: Many authorized dealerships keep detailed records of the emission standards for every vehicle they sell.
• Manufacturer’s Website: Some automakers provide a “Vehicle Lookup” tool where you can enter the chassis or engine number to retrieve compliance information.

3.6. Use Third‑Party Apps

Several mobile applications (e.g., “My Vehicle” or “Vahan”) let you enter your registration number or VIN to pull up vehicle data, including the BS standard. While convenient, always verify the accuracy through official sources if you’re unsure.

4. Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

5. Why Knowing Your BS Level Matters for You

• Fuel Economy: BS VI engines often provide 10–15 % better mileage due to higher compression ratios and advanced combustion techniques.
• Maintenance Costs: Older BS IV vehicles may require more frequent filter replacements and can be more susceptible to particulate build‑up.
• Regulatory Compliance: If you plan to sell or transfer your vehicle, showing BS compliance can be a requirement in certain states.
• Tax Incentives and Subsidies: Some states offer rebates or reduced registration fees for BS VI vehicles, making them more attractive in the long run.

6. The Road Ahead: Transition to BS VI

While the article briefly touches on future trends, here’s a quick look at what’s on the horizon:

• 2025 Mandate: The Indian government is set to phase out all BS IV vehicles from the market, requiring them to be retrofitted or replaced with BS VI compliant models.
• Retrofit Options: Some manufacturers are offering retrofit kits that can upgrade a BS IV vehicle’s emissions to BS VI levels, though they can be expensive and may affect warranty coverage.
• New Vehicle Releases: All new passenger cars from 2020 onward are BS VI. As such, newer models come with advanced catalytic converters, diesel particulate filters (DPF), and high‑efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters.

7. Bottom Line

Determining whether your vehicle is BS IV or BS VI is surprisingly straightforward once you know where to look and how to interpret the data. Whether you’re using official RTO portals, decoding your VIN, or inspecting that small sticker on your windshield, the key is to verify the information through reliable, government‑approved sources. Not only does this knowledge provide peace of mind, but it also equips you to make informed decisions about maintenance, resale, and compliance with India’s evolving emission standards.

So the next time you pull over, open your RC, or scan the sticker on your windshield, you’ll be ready to read the unmistakable stamp of the Bharat Stage that your vehicle proudly carries.