Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi to Crack Down on Motorcycle Emissions Starting July 2027

Vietnam is taking bold steps to tackle urban air pollution by tightening emissions standards for motorcycles and mopeds, with Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi set to lead the initiative beginning July 1, 2027.

Speaking at the “Green Energy – Clean Cities” forum, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Lê Công Thành emphasized the urgent need to address climate change, environmental degradation, and resource depletion. He said Vietnam’s transition to clean energy and sustainable urban development is both a global responsibility and a national priority.

Motorcycles remain a major source of air pollution in Vietnamese cities. The Ministry is drafting a nationwide roadmap for emissions standards based on vehicle age, aiming to gradually reduce carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrocarbon (HC) outputs.

“The timeline ensures environmental protection while giving citizens and local authorities time to adapt,” a ministry spokesperson explained.

Under the proposed plan:

• Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City will implement stricter rules starting July 1, 2027.

• Other major cities, including Da Nang, Hai Phong, Can Tho, and Hue, will follow July 1, 2028.

• The remaining provinces will adopt regulations by July 1, 2030.

Vehicles will be classified into four levels depending on year of manufacture. For example:

• Motorcycles built before 2008 and mopeds before 2016 must meet Level 1 standards.

• Newer vehicles will be required to meet progressively stricter levels, with Level 4 for the newest models.

• In Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, all motorcycles and mopeds must meet at least Level 2 standards by January 1, 2032.

The move is part of Vietnam’s broader green energy and climate strategy, which includes commitments under the 2020 Environmental Protection Law, national climate plans, and the goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

“Developing green energy not only reduces greenhouse gases and ensures energy security but also supports sustainable growth for major economic and cultural hubs,” Deputy Minister Lê said.

With motorcycles accounting for a significant portion of urban air pollution, these measures mark a major step toward cleaner, healthier cities in Vietnam’s most densely populated areas.

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Source: Vietnam Insider