A layer of fine-dust haze envelops high-rise buildings in central HCM City, December 2, 2024. VNA/VNS Photo
HCM City is preparing a two phase emissions strategy aligned with a national directive on environmental pollution.
The first phase targets buses, with a roadmap to convert the entire fleet to electric or other clean fuel vehicles by 2030. The second phase, still being finalised, would apply to all remaining vehicles and create emissions control zones in the central wards, Can Gio and Con Dao.
The proposal is expected to be submitted to the HCM City People’s Council in early 2026.
Restrictions would begin in 2026. Heavy diesel trucks would be banned. Commercial vehicles below Euro 4 standards and service motorbikes below Euro 2 would face limits on entering the zone.
From 2027, when national motorbike emissions testing becomes mandatory, cars below Vietnam’s Level 4 standards and motorbikes below Level 2 would be restricted from the central area.
The zone would expand to Ring Road 1 by 2031, with stricter standards applied citywide from 2032.
The city plans to install licence plate recognition and traffic monitoring cameras at all LEZ entry points. About 58 cameras would be installed from 2026 to 2032, with 200 more added later.
The system would automatically check plates against national inspection records and issue electronic fines to vehicles that fail emissions standards.
Authorities said the first month will be warnings only. From months two to six, fines will be charged at half rate: VND 100,000 (approximately USD 4) for motorbikes and VND 200,000 (approximately USD 8) for cars.
Full fines of VND 200,000 (approximately USD 8) and VND 400,000 (approximately USD 16) will apply after six months.
Bui Thi An, director of the Institute for Natural Resources, Environment and Community Development, said automated monitoring could significantly reduce pollution in dense urban areas.
“When people know violations are recorded automatically, they tend to comply better,” she said, noting that cameras have already improved traffic behaviour in Hanoi and Haiphong.
Experts said emissions testing will only succeed if residents can easily access inspection services.
Nguyen Huu Dung, director of the Vietnam Institute of Urban and Industrial Environment, said the city will need more testing stations and transparent pricing.
Mobile units currently measure only carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons, while fixed stations are more costly to build.
To meet demand, he suggested allowing motorbike dealerships and repair shops to operate as certified testing points under government oversight.
He added that priority should go to helping low income households retire or upgrade older high emitting motorbikes.
If approved, the LEZ would be one of Vietnam’s most ambitious efforts to reduce vehicle emissions, which have risen alongside rapid urbanisation.
Officials said the plan aligns with Vietnam’s commitments to cut greenhouse gas emissions and modernise transport.
But the transition will test public acceptance in a city where motorbikes dominate daily life. How residents respond to mandatory testing and restrictions may determine how quickly HCM City can improve its air quality.
