| Summary/Abstract |
We study how a low-emission zone (LEZ) policy affects air pollution in Nanchang, a medium-sized city located in southeastern China. By using a regression discontinuity design approach, we find that the LEZ policy improves Nanchang's air quality throughout restricted/unrestricted hours and within/outside of the designated LEZ areas. Air quality began to improve during the announcement period and improved further after the policy was enforced. These findings suggest that drivers could adapt to the foreseen LEZ policy by upgrading their vehicles; thus, to achieve policy effectiveness, it is important to make driving regulations compatible with drivers' incentives.
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