Hanoi Imposes City Center Charge on Vehicles by 2028

Photo courtesy of VN Express

Hanoi plans to charge motor vehicles entering the city center starting in 2028, aiming to reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality. The new initiative will introduce a congestion toll phased by ring roads, with Ring Road 1 being the first in the historic core of Hoan Kiem and Ba Dinh areas. This move is part of a broader strategy to curb gasoline motorbikes and manage the city's vehicle population.

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The proposal by the Hanoi People's Committee is open for public comment and outlines a gradual implementation. From January 1, 2028, vehicles entering inside Ring Road 1 will face charges, followed by Ring Road 2 in 2030 and Ring Road 3 in 2032. Hanoi's traffic issue is pronounced, with approximately 8.1 million motor vehicles, including 7 million motorbikes, and an additional 1.2 million vehicles entering daily from nearby regions.

The congestion fee complements a separate November 2025 resolution by the Hanoi People's Council to establish the first low-emission zone by July 2026. This zone will restrict gasoline motorbikes based on time and location, paving the way for broader bans on fossil-fuel two-wheelers. The congestion charge is designed as both an economic deterrent and a tool to enhance emission rules.

The Department of Construction, which drafted the fee proposal, emphasized the necessity of regulating private vehicle use due to rising numbers and limited road space. By charging drivers, the aim is to reduce traffic, lower commute times, cut costs, and encourage public transport usage. The phased approach allows residents and businesses time to adjust, starting with the most congested areas.

Looking forward, this phased rollout provides a framework for progressive adaptation to less vehicle dependency, promoting sustainable urban transit solutions.

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  Adapted by ASEAN Now · VN Express · 29 May 2026