Hanoi to ban fossil-fueled motorbikes within Belt Road No. 1 from July 2026

In a directive issued on Saturday, he instructed Hanoi to swiftly implement solutions supporting organizations and individuals in transitioning to cleaner vehicles, ensuring that no fossil fuel–powered motorbikes—such as those running on gasoline or diesel—operate within the belt road from the designated date.

Spanning a total of 7.2 kilometers, Belt Road No. 1 is the primary urban corridor running east to west through Hanoi's central area, encompassing the streets of Tran Khat Chan, Dai Co Viet, Xa Dan, Hoang Cau, and Voi Phuc.

Starting January 1, 2028, the directive extends restrictions to personal fossil fuel–powered cars within both Belt Road Nos. 1 and 2.

By 2030, all personal vehicles using fossil fuels will be banned within Belt Road No. 3.

By the same year, the capital city must establish a multi-modal public transport network connecting major thoroughfares, densely populated areas, and key transit hubs.

The expansion of charging stations and clean energy vehicle infrastructure—including electric buses and trains—will also be required.

The city will roll out policies to support the manufacturing and assembly of clean vehicles, while increasing fees for registration, licensing, number plates, and parking for fossil-fueled vehicles in central areas.

Additionally, as part of its environmental initiatives, Hanoi will pilot a ban on single-use plastics in restaurants, hotels, and eateries within Belt Road No. 1, starting in the last quarter of 2025.

The prime minister has also urged Hanoi to develop and announce a Low-Emission Zone (LEZ) plan by the third quarter.

Hanoi previously approved a resolution on LEZ establishment to reduce vehicle-derived pollution and improve air quality, effective January 1, 2025.

From 2025 to 2030, LEZ trials are planned for selected areas in the former Hoan Kiem and Ba Dinh Districts, with expansion encouraged elsewhere.

From 2031 onward, LEZ implementation will be mandatory in areas identified as high risk for emissions.