Learn about Vietnam’s 2026 vehicle registration sticker, license plate and road tax updates, plus green vehicle benefits. Read the guide now!
Key Changes Effective from 2026
Starting early 2026 Vietnam will introduce a set of adjustments to vehicle registration stickers, licence plates and road‑tax fees. These updates aim to simplify compliance, promote greener vehicles and streamline traffic management.
Removal of the Road‑Tax Sticker on the Windshield
- Decree No. 364/2025 eliminates the mandatory road‑tax sticker that was previously placed on the driver’s side windshield.
- New monthly road‑tax rates: VND 130,000 for passenger cars up to 8 seats (excluding the driver) that do not operate as commercial transport, and VND 180,000 for vehicles used for transport services. Other vehicle categories keep their existing rates.
- Consequently, only a single sticker will remain on the windshield instead of the former two‑paper‑sticker system.
Colour‑Coded Registration Stickers
From the start of 2025 registration stickers have been differentiated by colour according to the vehicle’s powertrain:
- Green – electric cars, plug‑in hybrids, hydrogen‑fuel vehicles and any model that uses environmentally‑friendly energy.
- Orange – traditional internal‑combustion engine cars.
- Pink – motorcycles.
These colours are displayed on the registration sticker that must be affixed to the vehicle’s licence plate.
Penalties for Missing or Incorrect Stickers
Failing to display the correct registration sticker can result in a fine of VND 4‑6 million and a possible suspension of the driver’s licence for 1‑3 months.
Future Licence‑Plate Designs for Clean‑Energy Vehicles
Hanoi’s People’s Committee is planning a new classification system that will use distinct licence‑plate background colours and QR codes for electric, hybrid and hydrogen‑powered cars. The QR code will link the vehicle to the electronic toll‑collection (ETC) system, allowing authorities to apply tailored road‑fee rates, dedicated parking spaces and access permissions in low‑emission zones (LEZ).
What This Means for New Car Buyers
If you are purchasing a new vehicle in early 2026, make sure of the following:
- The car carries only the single, updated windshield road‑tax sticker.
- The registration sticker matches the vehicle’s powertrain colour (green, orange or pink).
- All licence‑plate markings are clear and, where applicable, include the new QR‑code format.
Understanding these details will help you avoid fines, enjoy preferential treatment in green zones and benefit from any reduced road‑tax rates available to eco‑friendly vehicles.
Looking Ahead
The simplification of stickers and the digital identification of green vehicles are part of Vietnam’s broader push toward smarter, cleaner urban mobility. By staying informed about the 2026 changes, drivers can ensure a smooth transition and take full advantage of the incentives designed for sustainable transport.