Vietnam's cities race to cut vehicle emissions with outsourced testing plans
Vietnam's major cities, including Hà Nội and Hồ Chí Minh City, face growing pressure to curb air pollution caused by vehicle emissions. With 74 million cars and motorbikes on the roads, authorities are now considering outsourced emissions testing to ease the burden on state resources. National Assembly Deputy Phạm Văn Hòa has proposed a structured approach, combining private sector involvement with strict oversight and fair policies. The country's current vehicle fleet presents a significant challenge. Emissions from older, poorly maintained motorcycles and cars are a major source of urban air pollution. However, no precise data exists on the exact number of registered vehicles in key cities, broken down by age or emission standards. From March 2026, stricter rules will apply, categorising vehicles by Euro standards—ranging from Euro 1 (pre-1999) to Euro 4 (2022 onwards). Cities like Hà Nội and Hồ Chí Minh City will enforce even tighter limits, such as requiring Euro 4 compliance for vehicles made between 2017 and 2021 by January 2027.
To make outsourcing work, a clear roadmap is essential. This includes synchronised investment in modern inspection centres, trained personnel, and reliable measurement tools. Deputy Hòa emphasised the need for robust supervision, timely reminders for vehicle owners, and fair policies that prevent regional disparities. Supportive measures must also address the removal of non-compliant vehicles, ensuring affected owners receive practical assistance.
A phased restriction on motor vehicles could also help cities transition toward smarter, cleaner transport systems. Detailed surveys on vehicle numbers and usage patterns would guide these policies, ensuring they remain feasible and effective in the long term. Outsourcing emissions testing could reduce financial strain on the state budget while improving air quality in Vietnam's busiest cities. The success of such policies will depend on careful planning, equitable enforcement, and sustained investment in infrastructure. If implemented correctly, these measures could pave the way for cleaner urban environments and more efficient transport networks.
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