In Việt Nam, controlling motorbike emissions has become a pressing issue in order to minimize environmental pollution. With the country’s commitment to reducing emissions and environmental impact at COP26, emission inspections for motorbikes are set to begin in 2025. This move is essential to ensure that Việt Nam meets its environmental goals while also improving air quality and public health.
The Law on Road Traffic Order and Safety, recently passed by the National Assembly, mandates that motorcycles and mopeds undergo mandatory emissions testing starting from January 1, 2025. This testing will be conducted in accordance with environmental protection laws and must be carried out at certified emission inspection facilities. This regulation aims to address the growing concern over the environmental impact of motorbikes, which are the primary mode of transportation in many urban areas of Việt Nam.
According to data from the Institute of Transport Strategy and Development, the number of registered motorbikes in Việt Nam has been steadily increasing, with an average growth rate of 9.1% per year from 2005 to 2022. Currently, there are approximately 69.2 million registered motorbikes in the country, with around 45.5 million vehicles in circulation. This high number of motorbikes on the road contributes significantly to emissions and environmental pollution, particularly in urban areas.
Emission testing programs conducted in cities like Hà Nội, HCM City, and Đà Nẵng have revealed that older motorbikes tend to exceed emission standards, with vehicles over five years old showing higher emission rates. However, a significant portion of motorbikes in use are older than ten years, further exacerbating the emission problem. In cities like Hà Nội, HCM City, and Đà Nẵng, older vehicles make up over half of the total number of motorbikes on the road.
Nguyễn Xuân Thủy, former director of Transport Publishing House, emphasizes the importance of emissions testing in reducing environmental pollution and improving air quality. He believes that regular emissions testing will not only help control emissions but also raise awareness about the importance of vehicle maintenance for traffic safety.
Khương Kim Tạo, former Deputy Chief of the National Traffic Safety Committee, highlights the lack of regulations on the shelf life of motorbikes in Việt Nam. He stresses the need for systematic implementation of emission control measures, ensuring that newly manufactured and imported motorbikes meet emissions standards while gradually phasing out older vehicles.
Tạo suggests setting a time limit for the elimination of outdated vehicles and implementing emission control through administrative measures and vehicle replacement. He also recommends that the State management agency regulate emission standards for motorbikes in use and ensure that emission inspection centers provide efficient solutions without disrupting people’s lives.
In conclusion, controlling motorbike emissions is crucial for reducing environmental pollution and improving air quality in Việt Nam. The implementation of mandatory emissions testing for motorbikes is a significant step towards achieving these goals and fulfilling the country’s commitments to environmental sustainability. By systematically regulating emissions and phasing out older vehicles, Việt Nam can effectively reduce its environmental impact and create a cleaner, healthier environment for its citizens.