Ahead of the Government’s roadmap for motorcycle and motorbike emission inspections, people need to gradually change their mindset on vehicle use toward a more civilized and environmentally friendly approach.

On many streets in Hai Phong, it is not difficult to spot old motorcycles producing loud noise and emitting black smoke while traveling. Many vehicles have been used for decades without regular maintenance, causing emissions to exceed permitted limits and directly affecting urban air quality and public health. This has become one of the major sources of emissions in large cities.
Circular No. 92/2025 dated December 31, 2025 issued by the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment on the National Technical Regulation on emissions for motorcycles and mopeds participating in road traffic will take effect from June 30, 2026.
Following that, under Decision No. 13/2026 issued by the Prime Minister, motorcycle emission inspections will be implemented according to a roadmap: from July 1, 2027 in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, and from July 1, 2028 in the remaining centrally governed cities, including Hai Phong.
Under the new regulations, motorcycles and mopeds will be classified according to emission standards based on their year of manufacture. Older vehicles will be subject to corresponding emission levels, but must still comply with the maximum allowable limits for CO (Carbon Monoxide) and HC (Hydrocarbon) emissions.
Mr. Nguyen Van Quy, owner of a motorcycle repair shop in Le Chan Ward, said many people still maintain the mindset that “if the vehicle still runs, it can still be used,” paying little attention to regular maintenance. Many old motorcycles consume large amounts of fuel and frequently emit black smoke, yet owners are reluctant to repair them due to high costs or lack of concern. However, regular maintenance, oil changes and periodic engine cleaning can significantly reduce emissions.
Many residents believe emission inspections are necessary to raise awareness about more civilized vehicle use. Ms. Truong Thi Hanh, a resident of Gia Vien Ward, said old motorcycles emitting black smoke not only pollute the environment but also directly affect road users.
“Some days when I ride behind old motorcycles, the black smoke is extremely unpleasant. I think emission control will encourage people to pay more attention to vehicle maintenance and environmental protection,” Ms. Hanh said.
At the same time, the trend of switching to electric vehicles or newer low-emission motorcycles is also becoming increasingly popular. Pham Van Nam, an office worker in Hai An Ward, said his family recently replaced an old motorcycle with a more fuel-efficient model to comply with the new emission regulations. According to him, this is also a way to help reduce pollution and ensure vehicles remain eligible for long-term use.

To ensure effective implementation of motorcycle emission inspections, testing facilities in localities are being prepared with digitalized systems, allowing online registration and the issuance of electronic certificates to reduce waiting times.
Lawyer Nguyen Quang Chien of the Hai Phong Bar Association said people need to understand that emission inspections are not intended to create difficulties for vehicle owners, but rather represent a civic responsibility in protecting the environment and building civilized urban areas. The 2024 Law on Road Traffic Order and Safety stipulates that vehicle owners must ensure their vehicles meet technical safety and environmental protection requirements when participating in traffic.
In the future, cases of failing to comply with emission inspection regulations or using vehicles that do not meet environmental standards will be handled under legal provisions. Depending on the severity of the violation, vehicle owners may face administrative fines, be required to remedy technical defects, or be prohibited from operating in areas applying strict emission standards.
Although motorcycle emission inspections have not yet officially taken effect, authorities already have sanction regulations in place. Under Article 32 of Decree No. 168/2024, individuals who own motorcycles or mopeds without valid emission inspection certificates, or with expired certificates, may be fined from VND 200,000 to VND 300,000 per violation. Organizations committing the same violations may face fines ranging from VND 400,000 to VND 600,000 per violation.
Article 40 of Decree No. 168/2024 also stipulates fines ranging from VND 16 million to VND 20 million for inspection centers issuing emission inspection certificates that fail to comply with regulations or technical standards. Naturally, these penalties will only take effect once the motorcycle emission inspection roadmap is officially implemented.
According to Mr. Le Van Long, administrator of the Hai Phong Traffic News Forum on social media, in order for the policy to gain broad public support, alongside completing the inspection system, authorities also need to strengthen communication efforts so people clearly understand the long-term benefits of reducing vehicle emissions. Once people recognize that emission control helps protect their own health and that of their families, compliance will gradually become a voluntary habit.
Controlling emissions from motorcycles and mopeds is an inevitable trend in the development of modern urban areas. Proactively changing vehicle usage habits, regularly maintaining vehicles and gradually switching to low-emission transportation will not only help people comply with legal regulations but also contribute to building a cleaner, safer and more civilized traffic environment for the health of the entire community.
Pham Thanh