Motorcycles and Scooters to Undergo Emissions Testing After 5 Years: Expert Advice and Insights.

Traffic expert Tu Sy Sua, a senior lecturer at the University of Transport, shared his full agreement with the new regulation, emphasizing the urgency of its implementation to protect the environment.

“There is a vast number of motorcycles in our country, and the total amount of emissions they produce is significant, causing environmental pollution. This is especially true for older motorcycles that have been in use for many years, as they tend to emit far more pollutants.” Mr. Sua stressed the necessity of managing and monitoring the emissions from these vehicles.

However, Mr. Sua pointed out that implementing emission tests for motorcycles and scooters requires careful planning and a step-by-step approach. He highlighted the challenges posed by the large number of vehicles in the country, including those that are 30 to 40 years old. He also raised questions about how non-compliant vehicles would be handled.

“For cars, it is easier to check compliance through stickers, but it will be more challenging to determine whether motorcycles meet the standards.” Additionally, he noted that providing guidance and support to vehicle owners whose motorcycles do not meet the standards would directly impact their interests. He emphasized the need for clear instructions to facilitate the implementation of this regulation and avoid social disruption.

Mr. Sua provided an example from Hanoi, where a significant number of motorcycles are registered in other provinces, complicating the management process. He suggested that the authorities carefully consider whether to manage emissions testing by region or use another approach.

Another expert echoed Mr. Sua’s sentiments, agreeing that while the regulation is necessary, it may immediately affect the interests of a vulnerable group of people. “These are the poor who cannot afford to switch to more environmentally friendly means of transportation, such as electric vehicles. They may be aware that their motorcycles do not meet the requirements, but they need time to prepare for the transition”, the expert explained.

Furthermore, the expert pointed out that a large number of motorcycles in use are old, have changed ownership multiple times, and are not registered to the current owner, which will make management and control challenging for the authorities. “Without thorough preparation and a clear roadmap, we risk having a well-intentioned policy that fails to make a positive impact”, the expert cautioned.

Recently, the Ministry of Transport issued Circular No. 47/2024, which stipulates the procedures for inspecting and granting exemptions for initial inspections of motor vehicles and specialized machinery. It also covers the procedures for certifying the technical safety and environmental protection of modified motor vehicles and specialized machinery, as well as the procedures for inspecting motorcycle and scooter emissions.

According to the circular, motorcycles and scooters that are up to 5 years old will have their emissions checked every 60 months from the date of manufacture. Those between 5 and 12 years old will be checked every 24 months, and those over 12 years old will be checked annually.

The circular also states that owners of motorcycles and scooters up to 5 years old are exempt from submitting emission inspection documents and bringing their vehicles to inspection centers for emission tests. However, owners of vehicles older than 5 years must take their vehicles to designated inspection centers for emission testing.

The Directorate for Standards, Metrology, and Quality is responsible for issuing emission inspection certificates for motorcycles and scooters in accordance with the regulations.

Circular 47/2024 will come into effect on January 1, 2025.