Brian Jeffrey
Overview of Motorbike Use in Vietnam
In Vietnam, motorbikes are the predominant form of transport, making up 90% of all vehicles on the road.
Statistics on Motorbike Ownership
According to Tran Huu Minh, who leads the National Traffic Safety Committee, Vietnam has one of the highest rates of motorbike ownership globally. As of September 2024, there were 77 million motorbikes not registered, with an ownership ratio of 770 per 1,000 individuals.
Concerns Over Vehicle Safety Inspections
Currently, motorbikes are not required to undergo mandatory technical safety inspections, although emission testing will soon be introduced. As a result, many outdated and poorly maintained motorbikes remain in circulation.
Emissions from Older Motorbikes
A recent emission testing initiative in major cities highlighted that motorbikes older than five years often exceed emission limits. In Hanoi, for instance, 54.2% of motorbikes did not comply with TCVN 6438:2018 standards (Level 1), while 60.65% failed to meet Level 2 standards.
The Impact of Old Motorbikes on Air Quality
Approximately 40% of motorbikes in Hanoi are categorized as old and poorly maintained. Furthermore, research conducted by the Institute for Transport Development and Strategies revealed that motorbikes and cars are responsible for 70% of harmful airborne pollutants.
Importance of Emission Testing
During a recent workshop, Minh emphasized that addressing traffic safety related to motorbikes must be prioritized in the upcoming safety initiatives.
Experts advocate for the urgent implementation of emission testing for motorbikes. The forthcoming Law on Road Traffic Order and Safety, due to take effect on January 1, 2025, will mandate that vehicles meet safety and environmental standards.
Challenges in Implementing Emission Testing
However, the Vietnam Register (VR) has stated that emission testing for motorbikes will not commence by the proposed date of January 1, 2025. Instead, it will align with the Law on Environmental Protection and be executed at authorized testing centers that meet established national standards.
A Call for Action
Hoang Duong Tung, the chair of the Vietnam Clean Air Network, highlighted that many countries have successfully enacted emission controls for years, leading to positive outcomes. Vietnam is urged to adopt similar measures promptly with a viable implementation timeline.
The Ministry of Transport is currently drafting a roadmap for the Prime Minister, focusing on setting higher emission standards for both imported and locally produced vehicles.
