The directive is outlined in Official Dispatch No. 3676/UBND-NNMT, signed by Vice Chairman of the municipal People's Committee Bui Duy Cuong, to implement the Prime Minister's Decision No. 13/2026/QD-TTg dated April 2, 2026 on the application of national technical regulations on emissions for motorcycles and mopeds used in road traffic.

Under the plan, the municipal Department of Construction will establish a network of vehicle emission testing centers to meet local demand, organize and supervise emission testing in accordance with regulations, and manage the city's emission testing information system. The department will also coordinate with the Department of Public Security to enforce compliance and handle violations.

In addition, the Department of Construction has been assigned to formulate a support scheme enabling low-income residents to replace old motorcycles and mopeds that fail to meet emission standards and contribute significantly to air pollution. The department will also propose funding to provide free first-time emission testing for motorcycles and mopeds throughout the city.

The department will further advise the municipal People's Committee on policies to accelerate the transition from fossil fuel-powered vehicles to clean-energy alternatives, expand the use of public transport, and promote sustainable urban mobility.

The Department of Public Security will strengthen inspections to ensure compliance with vehicle emission standards and regulations governing low-emission zones. It will use emission testing data shared by the Vietnam Register to identify and sanction violations while developing a mechanism to share vehicle registration data with the Department of Construction and the Department of Agriculture and Environment.

Meanwhile, the Department of Finance will coordinate with the Ministry of Finance to study tax and fee incentives, as well as financial support policies, to facilitate the development of emission testing centers and assist residents in replacing outdated vehicles.

The Department of Industry and Trade will monitor the quality of fuel supplied to the market, while the Department of Culture and Sports will work with relevant agencies and local media networks to raise public awareness of the emission testing roadmap and its environmental benefits.

Under the Prime Minister's Decision No. 13/2026/QD-TTg, Ha Noi is among the first localities nationwide to implement mandatory emission testing for motorcycles and mopeds, marking an important step in reducing road transport emissions and improving urban air quality.

Roadmap for expanding low-emission zones through 2030

Earlier, Ha Noi has piloted a low-emission zone (LEZ) in the central area of Ring Road 1 since July 1, 2026 to reduce air pollution, traffic congestion and improve the quality of life of people.

In Zone 1, from July 1, 2026, all motorbikes, mopeds and cars will be banned from circulating from 7 pm to 12 am on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays every week. Priority vehicles are still allowed to operate according to regulations.

From January 1, 2027, cars eligible to operate in restricted areas must meet emission standards of level 4 or higher. From January 1, 2028, motorbikes and mopeds belonging to this group must meet emission standards of level 3 or higher.

According to the roadmap, phase 1 (from July 1 to December 31, 2026) is implemented in Area 1 and Area 2 of Hoan Kiem ward. In addition to banning vehicles in Area 1 on weekend evenings, Hanoi City restricts gasoline-powered motorbikes operating on technology platforms; encourages people to reduce the use of old motorbikes, increase the use of public transport and green vehicles.

For cars with more than 16 seats (excluding buses and school buses), trucks under 2 tons and trucks from 2-3.5 tons, traffic will be restricted according to time frames; cases of operating outside regulations must be approved by competent authorities. Trucks over 3.5 tons are only allowed to operate at night or when licensed.

Phase 2 (from January 1 to December 31, 2027), the low emission zone is expanded to areas belonging to Hoan Kiem and Cua Nam wards. Petrol-powered motorbikes operating on technology platforms will not be allowed to circulate. At the same time, cars using fossil fuels that do not meet level 4 emission standards will also be banned from entering the area. Trucks over 3.5 tons will be completely banned from circulating.

By phase 3 (2028-2029), the scope of low emission zones will be expanded throughout Ring Road 1. Motorbikes that do not meet level 3 emission standards and cars that do not meet level 4 emission standards will not be allowed to circulate. Limited hours for passenger cars and trucks will continue to be maintained.

From 2030, Ha Noi City will maintain stable operation of low emission zones, and at the same time assess the effectiveness to adjust or expand the scope of application to suit actual conditions./.