HCMC – HCMC plans to introduce a low-emission zone (LEZ) in its central area from 2026, limiting access for gasoline and diesel vehicles to curb pollution and promote cleaner transport.
The proposed LEZ, outlined by 15 bridges and 17 main roads, would cover areas with high traffic and air pollution.
In the first phase, commercial vehicles below the Euro 4 standard and service motorcycles below Euro 2 will face restrictions. Diesel-powered heavy trucks will be banned.
The proposal also includes a ban on new registrations of gasoline-powered motorcycles and scooters by individuals and households residing within the LEZ. Only electric and clean-energy vehicles, or those granted special exemptions, will be allowed.
Local authorities are seeking to implement this registration ban legally in 2025 ahead of the zone’s enforcement. They also proposed a vehicle retirement policy based on age and mileage, referencing China’s model that mandates scrapping gasoline motorbikes after 13 years or 120,000 kilometers, or if the vehicle fails emissions or safety inspections three times.
To encourage compliance, the city is considering financial support measures. These include reimbursing up to 70% of a vehicle’s residual value upon scrapping and subsidizing 10% of the cost of new electric motorbikes, capped at VND5 million.
From 2027 to 2032, the city aims to expand restrictions to all motorcycles under Euro 2 and cars below Euro 4. After 2032, emission standards will be raised further, and the zone will extend to the city’s Beltway No. 1.
To enforce the plan, 58 automated cameras will be installed between 2026 and 2032 to monitor vehicles and identify violations. An additional 200 cameras will be added after 2032.
After merging with Binh Duong anh Ba Ria-Vung Tau provinces, HCMC now has a population of over 14 million, more than 1 million cars and over 10 million motorcycles.
Road transport accounts for 88% of nitrogen oxides, 99% of carbon monoxide, 79% of sulfur dioxide and 88% of fine particulate matter. Annual economic losses from traffic-related air pollution are estimated at VND3 trillion, or 0.25% of the city’s GRDP.
