Vietnam’s Hanoi committee proposes unique license plates for electric and hybrid cars, aiming to streamline green traffic policies and fees. Learn more now!
On December 26, the Hanoi People’s Committee unveiled a comprehensive plan to reduce environmental pollution by accelerating the shift to greener transportation within the city.
Colour‑coded plates for clean‑energy vehicles
Central to the plan is a distinctive licence‑plate system that will separate electric, hybrid and plug‑in hybrid cars from traditional gasoline‑powered vehicles. These new plates will carry a different background colour and embed a QR code, linking each vehicle to the electronic toll collection (ETC) platform for automated fee processing.
Why a new plate system matters
The visual distinction helps authorities enforce low‑emission zones (LEZ), apply tailored registration fees, and manage traffic flow more efficiently. By identifying clean‑energy vehicles at a glance, the city can offer incentives such as reduced parking charges, priority parking near charging stations, and lower road tolls.
International precedents
Vietnam is not alone in adopting colour‑coded plates for green vehicles. In China, gasoline cars wear blue‑background plates, while electric, hybrid and plug‑in hybrid models sport green backgrounds, granting them unrestricted access on days when emissions‑restricted traffic rules are in place.
South Korea introduced light‑blue plates for electric and hydrogen vehicles in 2017. Owners of these cars enjoy preferential parking close to charging infrastructure and discounted parking and bridge fees.
In the United Kingdom, the plate colour remains unchanged, but a vertical green emblem is added to identify pure‑electric cars that produce zero tailpipe emissions.
What’s next for Vietnam
Hanoi’s proposal is still in the drafting stage, but once approved it will signal a significant step toward modernising the nation’s transport policy. The rollout is expected to coincide with broader measures, such as stricter emissions standards, expanded charging networks, and a city‑wide push for low‑carbon mobility.
For drivers, the upcoming changes mean a clear visual cue that their vehicle is recognised as part of Vietnam’s green future—and that they will soon benefit from a suite of financial and logistical incentives.