As a car enthusiast and expert, we have often realised how confusing it gets for vehicle owners about emission norms like BS4 or BS6. As India moves to BS6 norms from BS4, many of us wonder: Is my car compliant, and why should I care?
The good news is that it’s not difficult to check if your car is compliant. This guide will help you assess if your automobile is compliant or not. Getting to know this not just keeps you on the right side of the law, but also helps you play a part in a cleaner environment.
With this article, we will make your compliance evaluation effortless and insightful.
Understanding BS4 and BS6 Emission Standards
The Bharat Stage (BS) is an emission standard instituted by the Government of India, which limits the output of air pollutants from internal combustion engine equipment, including motor vehicles. These norms, introduced in 2000, are modeled after European emission standards and are periodically updated to limit vehicular pollution. BS4 (Bharat Stage 4) has been introduced in the country since 2010, while BS6 (Bharat Stage 6), an advancement over BS5, was introduced on 1 April 2020.
BS6 not only makes the vehicle comply with norms, this transition also means stronger hold on Nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter (PM), carbon monoxide (CO), and hydrocarbons (HC) emissions.
Differences Between BS4 and BS6
Parameter | BS4 | BS6 |
Sulfur Content in Fuel | 50 parts per million (ppm) | 10 parts per million (ppm) |
Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) | 250 mg/km (diesel); 80 mg/km (petrol) | 80 mg/km (diesel); 60 mg/km (petrol) |
Particulate Matter (PM) | Permissible in diesel engines | Reduced by 80% in diesel engines |
On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) | Optional | Mandatory |
Emission Technology | Basic catalytic converters | Advanced systems (DPF, SCR) |
Fuel Requirement | Regular BS4 fuel | Ultra-low sulfur BS6 fuel |
Greenhouse Gas Emissions | Higher | Significantly lower |
Cost of Vehicle | Lower due to simpler technology | Higher due to advanced technology |
Also Read: Difference Between BS4 vs BS6
Impact on Vehicle Emissions
Mandatory transition from BS4 to BS6 had reduced vehicular pollution significantly in the country. Here’s how:
- 70% Lower NOx: Now diesel vehicles emit 70% less NOx and petrol vehicles 25%.
- Lower Particulate Matter: New-age air filters in BS6 diesel engines can significantly reduce the PM emission by 80% ensuring better air quality.
- Cleaner Fuel: BS6 fuel has 80% less sulfur that helps in cutting soot formation and protects the engine components.
- Improved Public Health: A reduction in airborne pollutants can cause fewer respiratory and cardiovascular problems.
- World-Class Standards: BS6 adherence makes Indian vehicles competitive in the global market.
Checking Your Car’s Compliance
Knowing if your car is BS4 or BS6 will help you stay within legal limits and contribute to a cleaner India. So how do you figure out if your car is compliant?
Locating Compliance Stickers or Documentation
- Windshield or Engine Bay Stickers: Look for stickers near the top corners of the windshield or inside the engine bay. These often mention the BS standard your car complies with.
- Driver-Side Door Frame: Some manufacturers place compliance labels inside the driver-side door frame or on the chassis plate.
- Fuel Cap or Engine Block: Check the fuel cap or engine block for manufacturer labels specifying the emission norms.
Decoding Vehicle Documentation
Registration Certificate
When a car is bought, a registration certificate comes with it. In the past it may have been a one-page document, but now it often is a small card at that small size. Most of the RC cards now carry the emission compliance at the name of the manufacturer’s class or in the model section.
RTO Form 21
To register a car, the state’s RTO will require submitting the form 21 fully filled in. The form itself also indicates where the vehicle meets emission compliance; either besides its make and model name, before lines for ‘fitted with/fitted without’.
Manufacturing Date
Both above-mentioned documents can reveal the car’s production date. Next, you can take the production date to the internet and search when actual batch production started. For example, Maruti’s BS4-compliant Brezza hit the market in 2016.
Bharat Stage Standard | Make Year | Region |
Bharat Stage I | 2000 | All India |
Bharat Stage II | 2001-2003 | Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, & 8 cities |
2005 | All India | |
Bharat Stage III | 2004-05 | Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, & 8 cities |
2010 | All India | |
Bharat Stage IV | 2010 | Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, & 8 cities |
2017 | All India | |
Bharat Stage VI | 2018-19 | Delhi NCR |
2020 | All India |
Pro Tip – VIN LOOKUP
Your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a unique 17 character code containing important info about your vehicle, such as its emissions standard. You can use the VIN to find out whether it complies if you don’t have car documents.
Find the vehicle identification number on the dashboard, in the engine bay, in the boot, or on the driver’s door. The focus is on the ninth and tenth digits, which represent the month and year of manufacture. All cars before April 2020 had to follow BS4 norms and those launched afterwards follow BS6 prevalent rules.
This is a simple solution that guarantees accurate checking of emission compliance without the need for paperwork.
Conclusion
You must know if your car is BS4 or BS6 compliant for environmental responsibility and legal compliance. The BS6 transition has introduced us to better technologies, cleaner fuels and reduced emissions, which is healthy for the individual and society as a whole.
Compliance checks are facilitated by tools, including the VIN and vehicle documents. These measures insure your automobile complies with current emission requirements.
BS6 = Cleaner Air, Long term saving, and Smarter Next Gen.
FAQ
How do I check if my car is BS4 or BS6?
You can decode the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the car or check the Registration Certificate to see if it complies. The ninth and tenth digits on the VIN tell you the month and year of manufacture. After April 2020, all cars that came out are typically BS6.
What is the difference between BS4 and BS6?
BS6 cars incorporate Diesel Particulate Filters (DPF) and Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR), use ultra low sulfur fuel (10 ppm) to reduce emissions, emit fewer pollutants than BS4
Which year cars are BS4?
All the cars manufactured up to March 2020, follows BS4 complies. From April 2020, all the new manufactured cars must have to follow BS6 norms.
What models have BS4?
BS4 includes models manufactured prior to April 2020. Many popular cars introduced prior to this transition, such as older versions of the Maruti Suzuki Swift, Hyundai i20 and Honda City are BS4 standard.
Is 2017 BS4 or BS6?
Vehicles produced in 2017 are BS4 standard because BS6 standards only came in from April 2020.
Which is the BS6 car?
Every car manufactured after April 1 2020 is BS6 compliant. Examples of cars meeting the standard include new models like the Maruti Suzuki Baleno (2020+), Hyundai Creta (2020+), and Kia Seltos.