Nguyen Xuan Dai, director of Hanoi’s Department of Agriculture and Environment, presents a draft resolution on low-emission zones in Hanoi, November 26, 2025. Photo: Hanoi People’s Council
The resolution, which replaces a 2024 measure, sets criteria for designating low-emission zones, including persistent traffic congestion, substandard air-quality readings, and classifications under the capital’s 2021–30 urban master plan.
The first restrictions will cover nine wards inside Ring Road 1, including Hai Ba Trung, Cua Nam, Hoan Kiem, O Cho Dua, Van Mieu–Quoc Tu Giam, Ba Dinh, Giang Vo, Ngoc Ha, and Tay Ho.
The city will expand the zones to 14 wards inside Ring Road 2 from January 1, 2028, and to 36 wards inside Ring Road 3 from January 1, 2030.
From 2031, any area meeting the criteria will be subject to the rules.
Delegates press a button to approve a low-emission zone resolution in Hanoi, November 26, 2025. Photo: Hanoi People’s Council
Under the plan, Hanoi will restrict new registrations of fossil-fuel vehicles in designated zones and bar fossil-fuel trucks over 3.5 tonnes.
Gasoline motorbikes used for ride-hailing services will be completely banned, while other gasoline motorbikes will face time-based entry limits or area-specific restrictions.
Cars that do not meet Vietnam’s equivalent of Euro 4 emissions standards will also be restricted.
Zero-emission and clean-energy vehicles, priority vehicles, and those with government permits will be allowed to operate in the zones.
