HCMC plans vehicle low-emission zones with cash fines for violation

In a recent report it sent to the Ministry of Construction, the city Department of Construction said it is implementing a two-phase vehicle emission control plan under the government's Directive 20 on reducing pollution.

Its first phase will address buses, with a roadmap and support policies already in place for a complete transition to electricity and other clean fuels by 2030.

The inner-city area proposed as low-emission zone. Graphic by Khanh Hoang, Dang Le

The second phase will apply to all other vehicles, and a conversion roadmap, support policies and emission control zones are being finalized for the inner areas and the former Can Gio District and Con Dao Island, which are also now part of the city.

The proposal is expected to be submitted to the city People's Council for approval in the first quarter next year.

According to proposals by consultants, the low-emission zone in the inner areas will cover the former districts of 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, 11, Binh Thanh, Tan Binh, Tan Phu, and Phu Nhuan, bounded by 15 bridges and 17 major roads.

Starting in 2026 three types of vehicles will be restricted: diesel-powered heavy trucks (entirely banned), commercial vehicles below Euro 4 standards, and business-use motorbikes below Euro 2.

In 2027 when motorbike emission testing becomes mandatory, restrictions will expand to all motorbikes below Euro 2 and cars below Euro 4.

Euro 4 is a European emissions standard for vehicles introduced in 2005/2006 that sets limits on pollutants like carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter.

Euro 2 standards date back to 1997.

A traffic jam at Binh Trieu Bridge that leads into downtown Ho Chi Minh City in August 2025. Photo by VnExpress/Dinh Van

After 2032 the city plans to raise emission standards and expand the zone to the entire Ring Road 1 area, including roads such as Pham Van Dong, Nguyen Thai Son, Bay Hien, Huong Lo 2, and Nguyen Van Linh.

Under the plan, license plate recognition cameras will be installed and vehicle registration data will be cross-checked to determine emission standards.

Vehicles failing to meet requirements will be fined when entering a low-emission zone.

In the first month violators will be let off with warnings, but from the second to sixth months there will be fines of 50% of the amounts stipulated in Decree 168: VND200,000 for motorbikes and VND400,000 for cars.

After six months the full fines will apply.

Alongside penalties, the plan includes financial support for individuals and businesses and investment in infrastructure such as public transport and electric charging stations to enable the transition.

After merging with Binh Duong and Ba Ria–Vung Tau provinces in June, HCMC now has more than 14 million people and 13 million vehicles.

According to city authorities, road traffic accounts for about 88% of fine dust emissions, which cause economic losses of more than VND3 trillion a year.