A worker at an auto testing center in Beijing shows a symbol for vehicles up to the Beijing V Emission Standard, which became effective on February 1. [Photo/Beijing Review]

The move is expected to reduce auto pollution by 40 percent to better improve the hazardous air quality in the capital, said the Beijing Environmental Protection Bureau.

Sale and registration of light gasoline-powered vehicles not conforming to the new standard-—the nation's strictest—are forbidden beginning March 1, according to the bureau.

The bureau has approved more than 1,300 models meeting the standard.