In recent weeks, Vietnamese motorists have found themselves at the center of a whirlwind of regulatory changes and policy debates, as authorities in various provinces ramp up efforts to enforce traffic laws and Ho Chi Minh City advances a high-profile plan to restrict gasoline-powered motorcycles in its bustling core. These developments, while distinct in their immediate aims, converge on a broader national push to modernize Vietnam’s urban mobility, cut down on pollution, and bring order to roads that are all too often chaotic.
From August 1 to August 10, 2025, the Traffic Police Department of Thanh Hoa province announced a fresh list of traffic violations, spotlighting a series of common infractions such as illegal left turns and crossing lane markings. According to Autopro, these violations were detected through an extensive network of security cameras monitoring both public safety and traffic order. The crackdown isn’t limited to Thanh Hoa: the Traffic Police Department of Bac Ninh province also reported a surge in similar offenses between August 15 and August 21, 2025. Their surveillance systems and technical equipment caught numerous drivers making left turns where prohibited and failing to comply with road markings, with authorities publishing a detailed list of license plates involved.
For those caught in the act, the consequences are clear. Under Decree 168/2024/ND-CP, drivers found making illegal left turns where signage forbids it face fines ranging from 2,000,000 VND to 3,000,000 VND. Motorists who ignore lane markings are subject to penalties between 400,000 VND and 600,000 VND. These fines, though not new, are being enforced with renewed vigor thanks to sophisticated camera technology that leaves little room for evasion. Car owners can now check for violations using the official traffic police website, the national “Tra cứu phạt nguội toàn quốc” app, or the VNeTraffic app—tools that make it easier than ever to stay informed and, perhaps, a little warier behind the wheel.
While these enforcement efforts aim to instill discipline and safety on the roads, a different kind of anxiety has been brewing in Ho Chi Minh City. News of a pilot plan to restrict gasoline-powered motorcycles in several central districts has dominated headlines and social media feeds, sparking concern among millions who rely on their bikes for daily commutes. As VOV.VN reports, the city’s proposal is not a blanket ban but a carefully staged roadmap designed to reduce congestion and improve air quality. The focus, city officials stress, is on phasing out old, degraded, and non-compliant vehicles—especially those failing to meet the Euro 3 emission standards that have been mandatory for new motorcycles since 2017.
The confusion, it seems, stems from a lack of clear communication. Many residents initially feared their recently purchased motorcycles would soon be rendered obsolete. But the city has gone to lengths to reassure the public that new gasoline motorcycles meeting Euro 3 standards will remain legal for years to come. “At first, I was really worried when I heard about the restrictions,” said Nguyen Van Tuan, a resident of District 3. “I thought the new bike I just bought might not be usable anymore. But after looking into it, I realized the city is only targeting old bikes that don’t meet emissions standards. Now I feel much more at ease.”
Others, like Le Thi Hong from District 10, support the plan’s core aim. “I agree with removing old, broken-down bikes. There are so many on the road spewing black smoke—it’s both polluting and dangerous. New bikes are more fuel-efficient and cleaner, so as long as the policy is clear, people will support it.” Their sentiments reflect a broader shift in public mood: initial panic giving way to cautious acceptance as the true scope of the policy becomes clearer.
Ho Chi Minh City’s approach is, by design, gradual and flexible. The pilot will begin in a handful of downtown districts notorious for traffic jams and poor air quality. Only after thorough assessment and public feedback will the city consider expanding the restrictions. The plan dovetails with other long-term measures, including regular emissions testing and the phased introduction of “clean” public transit options. The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment has also submitted a draft regulation mandating periodic emissions checks for motorcycles and mopeds, starting July 1, 2027, in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, with a nationwide rollout by 2030. Vehicles will be categorized by production year, with newer models (post-2017) required to meet the highest standards.
Crucially, the city recognizes that restricting gasoline motorcycles without providing viable alternatives would be a recipe for chaos. That’s why officials are investing heavily in public transportation infrastructure—metro lines, rapid buses, and electric buses are all part of the mix. There’s also a push to build a robust network of charging stations for electric vehicles, addressing concerns about convenience and safety, especially in densely populated apartment complexes. As VOV.VN notes, the city is working closely with private companies to create a “new ecosystem” for urban mobility, one that’s cleaner, safer, and more user-friendly.
Effective communication remains a linchpin of the city’s strategy. Without transparent, accurate messaging, rumors can quickly spiral out of control, fueling unnecessary fear and even prompting some to sell their motorcycles prematurely. “If information isn’t explained clearly, people can easily misunderstand and think there’s an immediate ban,” VOV.VN observes. But when the rationale and timeline are communicated openly, support grows—most everyone wants a cleaner, more livable city, after all.
Meanwhile, the sharp uptick in traffic law enforcement in provinces like Thanh Hoa and Bac Ninh signals a broader commitment to road safety and order. The increased reliance on camera surveillance and digital reporting tools is making it harder for drivers to flout regulations with impunity. It’s also nudging motorists toward greater personal responsibility, as the ease of checking one’s own record online means fewer excuses for ignorance or neglect.
For now, the message from authorities is one of reassurance coupled with resolve. There’s no imminent ban on gasoline motorcycles in Ho Chi Minh City—just a phased plan targeting the worst polluters and a parallel push to upgrade public transportation. In the provinces, stricter enforcement is the new normal, and drivers would do well to take heed. Together, these measures reflect Vietnam’s evolving approach to urban mobility: pragmatic, patient, and increasingly high-tech.
As the country moves forward, the challenge will be to balance the needs of everyday commuters with the imperatives of public health and environmental stewardship. The road ahead may be long, but with careful planning and open dialogue, change is not only possible—it’s already underway.
