Brian Jeffrey
A striking 80% of the nearly 70 million vehicles in Vietnam that require emission inspections are motorbikes older than five years. Without effective measures, there is a possibility of overcrowding at inspection centers.
As per recent data, Vietnam boasts about 70 million motorbikes, and approximately 56 million of these are over five years old, necessitating emission checks.
The Vietnam Register anticipates a considerable increase in demand for inspections once they are enforced, leading to potential delays at testing facilities.
This rise in demand is primarily due to the limited number of motorbike emission testing sites, which may not satisfy the requirements set forth in the Law on Road Traffic Safety and Order.
In an interview with VietNamNet, a Vietnam Register spokesperson highlighted several challenges and proposed solutions to the issue.
On the topic of infrastructure, the Vietnam Register indicated that establishing emission testing centers doesn’t necessitate large facilities. Each testing device requires just 15 square meters and must be equipped with emission testing tools and internet-connected computers. Existing spaces for motorbike repairs may also be employed.
“We plan to utilize both current motor vehicle testing centers and motorbike warranty and maintenance outlets associated with the Vietnam Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers (VAMM), as well as private facilities, to facilitate motorbike emission inspections,” shared Nguyen To An, the Deputy Director of the Vietnam Register.
There are currently around 3,000 facilities nationwide prepared to assist with emission inspections, which the Vietnam Register believes will alleviate congestion.
“By involving dealerships and private facilities, we can lower the costs for infrastructure investments and keep testing fees affordable,” Mr. An added.
Motorbike emission test centers should be situated at a distance from schools and have at least 35 square meters of space, with inspection stations requiring a minimum of 6 square meters each, including the installation of surveillance cameras.
Concerning the inspection frequency, Mr. An stated that the Vietnam Register has studied practices in the region and data from the Transport Science and Technology Institute (ITST) and the VAMM.
A study involving 20,000 motorbikes in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang indicated that newer vehicles generally meet emission standards. However, older models, particularly those over five years, show a marked increase in emissions, influenced by maintenance and usage patterns.
Motorbikes older than 12 years reported particularly high emissions. As a pollution control measure, an annual inspection (every 12 months) is deemed necessary, consistent with practices in countries like Indonesia and Taiwan.
“Shorter inspection intervals for older motorbikes will promote vehicle upgrades and enhance air quality in urban settings,” noted Mr. An.
Based on their findings, the Vietnam Register suggests the following inspection schedules:
For the first five years: Vehicles will automatically be issued emission certificates based on their existing safety and environmental quality certifications at production or import stages without physical inspections.
Ages 5 to 12 years: Emission tests every two years.
Over 12 years: Annual emission inspections will be required.
Emission tests for motorbikes are not set to commence on January 1, 2025.
The Vietnam Register clarified that while Circular 47 outlines vehicle inspection procedures and initial exemptions for certain vehicles, many incorrectly assume that motorbike emission inspections will begin on that date.
In truth, motorbike emission testing will be governed by the Law on Environmental Protection, requiring checks at facilities that comply with national technical standards. The specific timeline will be established by the government.
The government has directed the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, alongside the Ministry of Transport, to prepare a plan for the Prime Minister’s approval.
“The emission regulations for all vehicles, including motorbikes, will align with the Law on Environmental Protection and the Law on Road Traffic Safety and Order. The timeline and emission benchmarks will be set by the Prime Minister, akin to the implementation of vehicle emission checks, and won’t automatically take effect on January 1, 2025,” the Vietnam Register representative confirmed.
