During its 28th session held on November 26, the Hanoi People’s Council passed a new resolution replacing Resolution No. 47 of 2024 concerning the implementation of low-emission zones in the city.

This new resolution outlines criteria, conditions, procedures, and steps for establishing low-emission zones, along with applicable measures to be carried out under a defined roadmap.

Article 4 of the resolution specifies that low-emission zones include areas designated as strictly protected or emission-restricted under the Capital City Master Plan for 2021–2030, with a vision toward 2050.

These zones also encompass areas frequently experiencing traffic congestion rated between levels D and F according to national standard TCVN 13592:2022.

Additionally, areas with average annual Air Quality Index (AQI) readings below national or city thresholds - based on data from standard monitoring stations - will be classified as low-emission zones.

Implementation roadmap for low-emission zones

Starting July 1, 2026, Hanoi will pilot low-emission zones in several neighborhoods within Ring Road 1. This includes nine wards: Hai Ba Trung, Cua Nam, Hoan Kiem, O Cho Dua, Van Mieu–Quoc Tu Giam, Ba Dinh, Giang Vo, Ngoc Ha, and Tay Ho.

From January 1, 2028, the low-emission zone will expand to encompass all of Ring Road 1 and selected parts of Ring Road 2. This will include 14 wards in total - nine from the initial phase and five additional ones: Lang, Dong Da, Kim Lien, Bach Mai, and Vinh Tuy.

By January 1, 2030, the program will be extended to the area within Ring Road 3, covering 36 wards and communes. In addition to the 14 already mentioned, 22 new areas will be included: Phu Thuong, Xuan Dinh, Nghia Do, Cau Giay, Yen Hoa, Thanh Xuan, Khuong Dinh, Dinh Cong, Phuong Liet, Tuong Mai, Hoang Mai, Vinh Hung, Long Bien, Phuc Loi, Viet Hung, Bo De, Phu Dong, Dong Anh, Thu Lam, Phuc Thinh, Vinh Thanh, and Noi Bai.

Green transition requirements for vehicles

The resolution also sets forth green conversion targets for transport vehicles, including motorcycles and commercial vehicles. By 2030, all gasoline motorbikes should be phased out. Beginning July 1, 2026, all newly invested or replaced taxi fleets must use clean or green energy vehicles that are environmentally friendly.

From January 1, 2035, Hanoi’s People’s Committee will determine restrictions on specific vehicle types, routes, road sections, lanes, directions, and timeframes depending on practical conditions.

Beyond limiting motorcycles and mopeds within low-emission zones based on specific hours or areas, the city will implement other measures, such as:

Prohibiting new investment in and registration of fossil fuel vehicles (especially those owned by organizations) once old vehicles are decommissioned.

Banning vehicles over 3.5 tons that run on fossil fuels from entering low-emission areas.

Lao Dong