A draft decision from the Prime Minister, currently under review by the Ministry of Justice, outlines the roadmap for applying national technical regulations on motorcycle emissions. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development's draft proposes a six-month delay for emissions checks in provinces and cities compared to the previous version.
Specifically, motorcycle checks in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City would begin on 1/7/2027. Hai Phong, Hue, Da Nang, and Can Tho would follow on 1/7/2028, with the remaining provinces implementing checks two years later.
The draft also proposes emissions standards based on the vehicle's age, divided into four tiers. For motorcycles over 50cc, those manufactured before 2008 must meet tier 1 standards, while those made between 2008 and 2016 need to reach tier 2.
| Motorcycles (over 50cc) | Scooters (50cc or less) | |
| Tier 1 | Manufactured before 2008 | Manufactured before 2016 |
| Tier 2 | 2008-2016 | 2017-30/6/2027 |
| Tier 3 | 2016-30/6/2026 | This tier is skipped, as per international practice |
| Tier 4 | From 1/7/2026 | From 1/7/2027 |
Authorities won't penalize non-compliant vehicles for 18 months after checks begin. Afterwards, inspections and penalties will be enforced. Local authorities are responsible for establishing testing centers and facilities to meet demand, based on practical conditions.
The Registrar of Motor Vehicles (Ministry of Construction) previously suggested a phased approach to reduce strain on the testing system. For example, from 1/7/2027, checks would apply to vehicles manufactured before 2008 (tier 1). Tier 2 vehicles would be checked from 1/7/2029, and tier 3 three years later.
Implementing checks simultaneously would require 340 additional testing facilities in Hanoi and 400 in Ho Chi Minh City, along with over 700 additional level-3 vehicle inspectors and over 700 emissions analyzers.
However, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development believes emission standards should apply equally to all vehicle owners, avoiding discrimination against lower-income individuals with older vehicles. Simultaneous checks would also better control emissions and provide comprehensive data.
In Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, motorcycles must meet tier 2 emission standards from 2030, two years earlier than previously proposed. Vehicles operating in Hanoi's low emission zones (LEZ) must comply with city regulations.
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Traffic on National Highway 1 at the western gateway to Ho Chi Minh City, 3/5/2023. Photo: Thanh Tung |
Traffic on National Highway 1 at the western gateway to Ho Chi Minh City, 3/5/2023. Photo: Thanh Tung
Motorcycle emission check frequency is defined in Circular 47 of the Ministry of Construction (2024). New vehicles require checks within five years of manufacture. Vehicles aged 5-12 years require checks every two years, while older vehicles need annual checks.
This initiative aims to protect public health by minimizing the negative impacts of motorcycle emissions. It also reduces emissions from personal vehicles, gradually phasing out old and outdated vehicles, and contributes to Vietnam's Net Zero emissions goal by 2050.
As of the end of 2023, Vietnam had 74.3 million registered motorcycles, with 6.9 million in Hanoi alone.
Initial estimates suggest stricter emission standards will impact lower-income groups using pre-2008 vehicles that don't meet standards. The Ministry of Finance has been asked to propose incentives to support vehicle upgrades and testing facility development.
Bao Bao
