HCM City to Launch Việt Nam’s First Large-Scale Low-Emission Zone in 2026 to Curb Vehicle Pollution

HCM City, The Gulf Observer: HCM City is preparing to establish Việt Nam’s first major low-emission zone (LEZ) in 2026, introducing strict limits on petrol and diesel vehicles as part of a comprehensive strategy to reduce air pollution and accelerate the transition toward cleaner transportation systems.

According to city officials, the initiative forms part of a two-phase vehicle-emissions roadmap aligned with national directives on environmental protection.

Two-Phase Emissions Strategy

The first phase focuses on public transport, with a plan already underway to transition the city’s entire bus fleet to electric or other clean-fuel vehicles by 2030.

The second phase—currently in development—will expand emissions controls to all remaining vehicles and implement restricted-emission zones across central wards, Cần Giờ and Côn Đảo. The proposal is expected to be submitted to the HCM City People’s Council in early 2026.

Restrictions to Begin in 2026

Under the plan:

• Heavy diesel trucks will be banned from entering the zone.
• Commercial vehicles below Euro 4 standards and motorbikes used for business services below Euro 2 will face restrictions.

From 2027, when nationwide motorbike emissions testing becomes mandatory, all cars below Việt Nam’s Level 4 emissions standard and motorbikes below Level 2 will be restricted from entering central districts.

The LEZ will gradually expand to Ring Road 1 by 2031, with stricter emissions requirements applying citywide from 2032.

Automated Monitoring System

To support enforcement, the city plans to install a network of automated licence plate recognition and traffic-monitoring cameras at all LEZ entry points. Approximately 58 cameras will be deployed between 2026 and 2032, with an additional 200 installed afterward.

The system will automatically cross-check licence plates with national inspection databases and issue electronic fines to non-compliant vehicles.
Authorities have outlined a graduated enforcement plan:

• First month: warnings only
• Months 2–6: half fines (VNĐ100,000 for motorbikes; VNĐ200,000 for cars)
• After six months: full fines (VNĐ200,000 for motorbikes; VNĐ400,000 for cars)