Motorbike emissions testing in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City delayed by 6 months

Vietnam's Ministry of Agriculture and Environment has proposed a six-month delay in implementing mandatory motorbike emissions testing in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to July 1, 2027 to provide more time for preparation.

This proposal is part of the latest draft regulations on the roadmap for motorbike emissions testing announced during a consultation meeting held by the ministry's Department of Environment in Hanoi on Tuesday.

During the meeting, the department confirmed the postponement of the emissions testing in the two major cities, instead of beginning in early 2027 as previously planned.

Other cities, including Hai Phong, Da Nang, Can Tho, and Hue, are slated to begin testing on July 1, 2028.

All remaining localities are scheduled to commence testing on July 1, 2030.

The ministry is expected to issue regulations about technical standards for emissions limits and a guiding circular within the next one to two weeks.

According to statistics, Hanoi has approximately 5.6 million registered motorcycles, while Ho Chi Minh City, following administrative mergers, has about 8.6 million, according to the Vietnam Register.

Given such large vehicle numbers, the rollout of emissions testing could lead to significant congestion if there are not enough testing facilities.

In addition, the draft regulations stipulate that motorbike owners must have their vehicles tested within 18 months from the respective start dates, according to Thanh Nien (Young People) newspaper.

During this period, authorities will focus on public education and encouraging voluntary compliance, refraining from imposing fines on individuals whose motorbikes have yet to be tested.

After this period, individuals who fail to have their vehicles undergo emissions tests will be penalized in accordance with the law.

Vinh Tho - Quang The / Tuoi Tre News

(2025/06/04-18:14)