From March 1, 2026, the car inspection process officially changes to be stricter, with the focus on emission control. This regulation is applied according to Decision No. 43/2025/QD-TTg of the Prime Minister and National Technical Regulation QCVN 85:2025.
Accordingly, all cars participating in traffic must meet the corresponding minimum emission level at the time of inspection. The application roadmap is divided into stages.
Vehicles manufactured before 1999 apply level 1. Vehicles manufactured from 1999 to the end of 2016 apply level 2. Vehicles manufactured from 2017 to the end of 2021 apply level 3. Vehicles manufactured from 2022 onwards apply level 4. The group of vehicles manufactured from 2022 will continue to be raised to level 5 from January 1, 2032.
In Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, the roadmap will be applied sooner and stricter to improve air quality. From January 1, 2027, vehicles manufactured in the period 2017 to 2021 must reach level 4. From January 1, 2028, vehicles manufactured from 2022 onwards must reach level 5.
Notably, from January 1, 2029, all cars circulating in these two cities must reach at least level 2. Vehicles that are too old and do not meet standards will be restricted from operating.
Mr. Nguyen To An - Deputy Director of the Vietnam Register Department said that the equipment and software system has been upgraded to meet the requirements of stricter control. Through surveys, the rate of vehicles using diesel engines that do not meet new emission standards is at a remarkable level.
At level 3 for gasoline cars, the maximum CO concentration is 3% and HC is 600 ppm. When raised to level 4, these indices decrease to 0.5% and 300 ppm.
According to regulations, emission inspection activities are carried out at registration centers or licensed inspection facilities. CO, HC parameters for gasoline vehicles and smoke levels for diesel vehicles will be measured according to QCVN 85:2025 standard.
Vehicles that meet standards will be issued Certificates of technical safety and environmental protection inspection in electronic form. Conversely, vehicles that do not meet standards will be refused certificates and will be forced to maintain and repair before returning for inspection.
The Vietnam Register also recommends that vehicle owners should proactively inspect and maintain vehicles before going for registration to avoid wasting time and costs.
Mr. Tran Quoc Hoan - Leader in charge of Vehicle Registration Center 29.03V (Hanoi) said that in addition to the emission factor, people need to pay attention to the overall condition of the vehicle before going for registration. Small errors such as substandard headlights, worn tires, substandard brakes or oil leaks can also cause the vehicle not to meet requirements.
Mr. Hoan recommends that vehicle owners should carefully check their vehicles at reputable maintenance facilities before registration. Preparing all documents, complying with the appointment schedule and keeping the vehicle in a stable technical condition will help the inspection process take place more smoothly.
Tightening emission standards is expected to contribute to reducing pollution from more than 6.3 million cars in circulation, thereby protecting the environment and community health.
