Which Vehicles Are Allowed into Ho Chi Minh City’s Center If Gas and Diesel Cars Are Banned?

Ho Chi Minh City is preparing to implement measures to limit gasoline- and diesel-powered vehicles in the city center to reduce pollution and improve air quality. This raises an important question for many vehicle owners: Which vehicles will still be allowed to enter the city center once the regulation is in place?

In this article, we will explain the new rules, list the types of vehicles that remain eligible, and show you how to sell your car or motorcycle at the highest price with Motorist Vietnam if you decide to switch to a compliant vehicle. 

Vehicle Types Allowed in the City Center Under the New Restriction

1. Electric Vehicles

   • Includes electric cars and electric motorcycles, which emit zero CO₂ and are environmentally friendly.

   • Popular electric cars: VinFast VF e34, Tesla Model 3, Hyundai Ioniq 5.

   • Popular electric motorcycles: VinFast Evo200, Dat Bike Weaver, Yadea G5.

2. Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs)

   • These combine an electric motor with a gasoline engine and can run purely on electricity for short distances.

   • Examples: Toyota Prius Prime, Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.

3. Public Transport and Bicycles

   • Electric buses, CNG buses, bicycles, and e-bikes will be encouraged.

Measures to Restrict Gasoline and Diesel Vehicles in Ho Chi Minh City

1. Low Emission Zone (LEZ) Implementation Timeline

• From 2026: LEZ will be enforced in the downtown area (Districts 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, 11, Binh Thanh, Phu Nhuan, Tan Binh, Tan Phu). Motorcycles used for commercial purposes below Euro 2 and commercial vehicles below Euro 4 will be restricted. Heavy diesel trucks will be completely banned.

• 2027–2032: The restriction expands to all motorcycles below Euro 2 and all cars below Euro 4.

• After 2032: Stricter emission standards will apply, and the LEZ will expand to the entire ring road 1 area (Pham Van Dong – Nguyen Van Linh).

2. Control Measures

• Mandatory emissions testing from 2027 to determine whether vehicles can enter the LEZ.

• ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) cameras will be installed at LEZ entrances to enforce penalties for non-compliant vehicles.

• Vehicles manufactured after 2017 typically meet Euro 4 (cars) or Euro 2–3 (motorcycles), but testing will still be required for verification.

3. Support for Transitioning to Clean Vehicles

• Financial support:

  • Compensation of up to 70% of the remaining value for scrapping gasoline motorcycles.

  • 10% interest rate subsidy for purchasing electric vehicles or investing in charging stations.

  • Reductions in registration fees, road maintenance fees, and license plate costs.

• Target: By the end of 2028, 100% of motorcycles used for ride-hailing services must switch to electric models.

Impact on Gasoline and Diesel Vehicle Owners

If you own a used motorcycle or a pre-owned gasoline/diesel car, the new regulation will limit your access to the city center. This is the ideal time to consider selling your vehicle and switching to an electric option before the rules take full effect.

How to Sell Your Vehicle Fast and for the Highest Price

Motorist Vietnam offers:

• Free valuation for your car or motorcycle.

• A large network of verified buyers, ensuring quick transactions.

• Support a convenient and transparent vehicle selling process.

Process:

1. Submit your vehicle information online.

2. Receive a free valuation within 24 hours.

3. Complete the sale and get instant payment.

When Ho Chi Minh City enforces restrictions on gasoline and diesel vehicles, switching to electric or compliant options will be inevitable. If you want to sell your car or motorcycle for the highest price and prepare for this change, contact Motorist Vietnam today to get the best deal for your vehicle.