Faced with this change, rather than simply worrying about their vehicles failing due to unmet emission standards, many owners have proactively taken their cars for inspections and maintenance to ensure they pass on the first attempt. Observations at local repair and maintenance facilities across the province show a sharp rise in customers.

At the Thanh Hải auto garage in Điện Biên Phủ ward, the average monthly volume of 10 to 15 cars has spiked. In just three weeks since the start of March, the facility has serviced over 30 vehicles, focusing mainly on diesel-powered or older models that typically face a higher risk of failing emission tests.

Nguyễn Hữu Hải, the owner of the Thanh Hải garage, noted that vehicle owners are no longer just concerned with brakes, chassis, lights, or electrical systems. Instead, they are prioritizing components that directly impact engine emissions, such as checking air filters, fuel injectors, and exhaust gas recirculation systems. This surge is primarily driven by Decision No.43/2025/QĐ-TTg, which mandates that every vehicle must meet minimum emission levels corresponding to its year of manufacture before an inspection certificate can be issued. The fear of failing the initial test has encouraged owners to fix technical issues beforehand, as a failure results in extra repair costs and the inconvenience of waiting for a re-inspection.

Statistics from the Center for Technical Inspection of Motor Vehicles and Equipment under the provincial Department of Construction show that between March 1 and March 19, the unit conducted 873 initial inspections. Among the 176 vehicles that failed, 66 were due to emissions, accounting for 37.5% of the total technical faults.

Nguyễn Văn Hiếu, an inspector at the center, observed that most emission failures are not the result of major engine damage but rather superficial maintenance habits. When air filters are dirty or injectors are clogged, soot and toxic gases exceed allowable thresholds. Consequently, regular maintenance is essential, particularly for older vehicles or commercial transport units with high operational frequency.

Tightening these procedures is seen as a necessary step to improve technical safety standards and reduce environmental pollution. Interestingly, the public has quickly adapted to the new requirements.

Vũ Đình Nguyễn, Deputy Director of the inspection center, pointed out that meeting the standards is not difficult if vehicles are maintained on time. In the past ten days, the failure rate for emissions has dropped by approximately 18% compared to the first ten days of the new policy. This suggests that even older cars can meet current standards when properly cared for. As vehicle numbers continue to grow, controlling emissions remains a vital solution for a sustainable traffic environment, offering an opportunity for owners to adjust their maintenance habits for the better.