From July 1, 2026, Hanoi will restrict gas-powered motorcycles in 9 wards: this is the list

Hanoi’s Low Emission Zone (LEZ) policy, set out in Resolution 57/2025/NQ-HĐND, will officially take effect on December 10, 2025, under the City’s Capital Law enacted in 2024. The LEZ is designed to curb high-emission vehicles, encourage greener mobility, and gradually improve air quality in the capital’s central areas. Under a phased rollout, Hanoi will apply the LEZ from July 1, 2026, through January 1, 2030, covering areas within Ring 1 to Ring 3.

Phased implementation and restricted wards

Under the detailed schedule, LEZ restrictions will apply starting July 1, 2026 in nine wards: Hai Bà Trưng, Cửa Nam, Hoàn Kiếm, Ô Chợ Dừa, Văn Miếu - Quốc Tử Giám, Ba Đình, Giảng Võ, Ngọc Hà, and Tây Hồ.

During the pilot phase in selected areas within Ring 1 beginning July 1, 2026, the nine wards listed will apply hours-based restrictions on gasoline-powered motorcycles, as specified in the accompanying diagrams.

Key policy provisions

The resolution includes the following main measures:

• No new investments or registrations for fossil-fuel-powered vehicles when replacing old vehicles that have reached the end of their useful life, particularly for vehicles owned by agencies or organizations.
• Prohibit the operation of fossil-fuel trucks with a gross vehicle weight over 3,500 kg within the LEZ.
• Ban ride-hailing motorcycles (gasoline-powered motorcycles used for business via ride-hailing platforms/apps) within the LEZ.
• For other motorcycles not covered by ride-hailing: ban within the LEZ during designated hours. Outside restricted hours, motorcycles may operate only if they meet emission standards required under national or city schedules.
• Cars using fossil fuels that do not meet emission standard QCVN 85:2025/BNNMT will be prohibited within the LEZ during specified hours. Outside those hours, they may operate if compliant with emission standards.

What residents are advised to do

Residents are encouraged to prepare for the restrictions with the following steps:

• Technology-enabled drivers: prioritize switching to electric vehicles by mid-2026, as Hanoi will ban petrol-powered drivers in the Ring 1 area starting mid-2026.
• Owners of older motorcycles: if replacement is not possible, carry out regular maintenance to pass emission checks starting July 2027 to maintain access to central areas during peak hours.
• Seek support: look for available government assistance related to the cost of purchasing new vehicles and for tax/fee relief to reduce financial burden.
• Use public transport: shift toward buses and the Metro to reduce costs and lower the risk of violations.

LEZ in a wider global context

Low Emission Zones (LEZ) and Ultra Low Emission Zones (ULEZ) are widely used internationally as tools for sustainable urban management. As of January 2026, more than 300 LEZs are in operation worldwide, with Europe having the highest number. London’s ULEZ covers Greater London, while other UK cities—including Birmingham, Bristol, Bath, Bradford, Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Aberdeen—operate LEZs or similar clean-air zones.

In Asia, cities such as Beijing, Seoul, Pune, and Delhi are pursuing LEZ implementations. Seoul is considering limiting new vehicle registrations to electric or hydrogen-powered options from 2035 as part of its carbon neutrality efforts.