Hanoi is developing a comprehensive plan to support low-income residents in replacing their old, high-polluting motorcycles and mopeds. This initiative is part of the city's efforts to implement Prime Minister's Decision 13/2026, which outlines a national roadmap for applying technical standards on motorcycle and moped emissions.

Vice Chairman of Hanoi People's Committee Bui Duy Cuong recently signed a dispatch formalizing the implementation of this decision. The Department of Construction has been assigned a central role in this process. It will develop a system of motorcycle and moped emission inspection facilities, ensuring they meet local demand and align with actual conditions. The department is also responsible for organizing these inspections and monitoring compliance.

Beyond infrastructure, the Department of Construction will lead the creation of a support scheme for low-income individuals. This scheme aims to help them replace vehicles that have been in use for many years and pose a high risk of pollution due to failing to meet emission standards. Additionally, the department will devise a plan to allocate resources for providing free initial emission inspections for motorcycles and mopeds within the city.

Motorcyclists stop at a red light at O Cho Dua intersection. Photo: Giang Huy

The city has also tasked the police with inspecting and controlling motorcycles and mopeds in traffic to ensure they comply with emission levels specified in Decision 13 and within designated low emission zones. The police will utilize inspection data shared by the Vietnam Register to address instances of non-compliance.

The Department of Science and Technology will serve as the focal point for collaborating with the Ministry of Science and Technology. Their work involves researching and reviewing national technical standards for fuel, proposing amendments and supplements to align with the roadmap for applying emission levels, and inspecting emission measuring equipment.

According to Prime Minister's Decision 13, Hanoi and TP HCM will commence motorcycle and moped emission inspections from 1/7/2027. This initiative will expand to other centrally-run cities, including Hai Phong, Hue, Da Nang, and Can Tho, from 1/7/2028. By 1/7/2030, emission inspections will be mandatory in 28 provinces, with the option for earlier implementation based on local conditions.

Further regulations will take effect from 1/1/2028: motorcycles and mopeds operating in Hanoi and TP HCM must meet emission standard level 2 or higher. Additionally, from 1/1/2028, Hanoi will ban gasoline-powered motorcycles and mopeds (excluding ride-hailing services) that do not meet emission standard level 3 or higher from circulating in low emission zones.

Currently, Hanoi supports green vehicle conversion for poor households, covering 100% of the vehicle's value, up to 20 million dong. This policy is effective from 1/7 to the end of 2027. The new support policy for replacing old, non-compliant motorcycles is expected to broaden the eligibility criteria, extending assistance to low-income individuals across the entire city.

Hanoi currently has over 8 million vehicles, comprising 1,1 million oto and 6,9 million motorcycles, with an additional 1,2 million vehicles from other provinces and cities circulating daily. Within Ring Road 1 alone, there are approximately 600.000 motorcycles and mopeds and 180.000 oto. A significant portion of these vehicles uses fossil fuels, are old, feature outdated technology, and have low emission standards, contributing to high emission levels.

Vo Hai