Gradual introduction of the ban
The measure stipulates that from July 1, 2026, gasoline-powered motorcycles and mopeds will no longer be allowed to operate within the area inside the so-called Ring Road 1 (first ring road). This corresponds to the core area of the city. From January 1, 2028, the ban will be extended to all motorcycles and mopeds within Ring Roads 1 and 2, and restrictions will also apply to privately used gasoline-powered cars. By 2030, the plan is to extend the restrictions to the area within the third ring road.
Measures for the transition to clean mobility
To facilitate the transition, the Hanoi administration has been tasked with presenting a plan for a so-called “low emission zone” (LEZ) by the third quarter of 2025. Public information campaigns are to prepare the population for the new regulations.
One focus is on the expansion of clean transportation: the city plans to significantly expand its network of electric buses and trains. There are also plans to build charging infrastructure and maintenance centers for vehicles with alternative drive systems.
Additional environmental measures planned
In addition to the motorcycle ban, further measures have been announced:
- The fees for registering and parking gasoline-powered vehicles in the city center are to be increased by the end of 2025.
- Starting in the fourth quarter of 2025, a pilot project to ban single-use plastics in restaurants, hotels, and catering establishments is to be launched within the first ring road.
- By 2028, environmentally harmful factories are to be relocated from residential areas.
- The cleaning of rivers, canals, and sewers is part of a separate action plan to be implemented by the third quarter of 2025.
- In addition, the construction of a modern, technologically advanced waste treatment plant is being pursued to reduce dependence on landfills.
Traffic situation and outlook
According to official figures, more than 9.2 million vehicles were registered in Hanoi at the end of 2024, including more than 6.9 million motorcycles and 1.1 million cars. In addition, around 1.2 million vehicles from other provinces enter the city every day. The administration of more than eight million vehicles is the direct responsibility of the city. The innermost ring road, Ring Road 1, forms a closed loop around the city center and is the first zone to be affected by the measures.
The transition to low-emission mobility in Hanoi is considered ambitious. The city government expects extensive changes in road traffic and everyday mobility.
