Under Decision No. 43 on the roadmap for applying the national technical regulation on emissions for road motor vehicles, from March 1, 2026, vehicle inspection centers will conduct emission inspections under new procedures and testing methods to ensure accurate results and meet environmental targets.

Vehicles must meet the minimum emission level corresponding to their year of manufacture at the time of inspection. From March 1, the following emission levels will apply nationwide: Level 1 for vehicles manufactured before 1999; Level 2 for those manufactured from 1999 through 2016; Level 3 for vehicles produced from 2017 through 2021; and Level 4 for vehicles manufactured from 2022. Level 5 will take effect from January 1, 2032.

In Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, stricter requirements will apply. From January 1, 2027, Level 4 will be required for vehicles manufactured from 2017 through 2021. From January 1, 2028, vehicles manufactured in 2022 operating in the two cities must meet at least Level 5 standards. From January 1, 2029, vehicles operating in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City must meet at least Level 2 standards.

To avoid failed inspections that could result in additional time and expenses, the Vietnam Register has advised vehicle owners and drivers to carry out maintenance and repairs before inspection to ensure emission compliance.

The Vietnam Register said that from March 1, inspection centers nationwide will apply new, more stringent emission testing procedures and methods.

To ensure effective implementation of the new rules, the Vietnam Register has instructed inspection centers to publicly post the roadmap, emission levels, procedures and testing methods in waiting areas so that individuals and businesses can easily follow the requirements.

Vehicle owners and drivers are advised to perform maintenance before inspection, including oil changes, air filter replacement, combustion chamber cleaning, checking injectors and high-pressure pumps, adjusting maximum engine speed in accordance with manufacturers’ specifications, and inspecting emission control systems and oxygen sensors.

Owners should use fuel, lubricants and engine coolant in line with manufacturers’ recommendations to ensure proper vehicle operation and emission control.

Vehicles with valid inspection certificates may continue to operate until the end of their current inspection cycle. The new emission testing standards will apply from the next inspection period.

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