Older vehicles in Delhi face a new restriction as a fuel ban is implemented

Older vehicles in Delhi face a new restriction as a fuel ban is implemented – find out if your car is included.

In a bid to improve air quality and reduce pollution levels, the Delhi government has initiated a series of measures aimed at phasing out end-of-life vehicles (ELVs) within the city. The ban on the supply of fuel to overage vehicles commenced today, with penalties of approximately ₹168 crore already issued for vehicles without the Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC) in Delhi.

The regulation will initially apply only within the boundaries of Delhi, with plans to extend the enforcement to select districts in the National Capital Region by the end of October. The implementation date of the vehicle ban in the National Capital Region has not been specified exactly in the provided information.

The policy targets ELVs, with diesel vehicles older than 10 years and petrol vehicles older than 15 years no longer eligible for refuelling at any petrol or diesel station in Delhi. To enforce this ban, Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras have been deployed across fuel stations and Inter-State Bus Terminals (ISBTs) in Delhi.

The ANPR cameras will automatically scan vehicle number plates and match them against the VAHAN database to determine the vehicle's fuel type and age. If an ELV is identified, alerts will be sent in real time to both fuel station operators and enforcement agencies. Inspection teams will be deployed at stations recording a higher number of ELV visits for consistent checks throughout the day and night.

A joint task force has been formed by the Delhi Transport Department, Delhi Traffic Police, and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to ensure effective implementation. The Delhi Traffic Police will also deploy additional personnel near high-footfall fuel outlets to manage any public unrest or disputes.

The government has trained fuel station staff to assist in the screening process. As of now, CNG vehicles are exempt from the enforcement of the ban. The necessary ANPR infrastructure is yet to be installed in the regions where the ban is expected to be extended.

The reports will be submitted to the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) and the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. The policy is scheduled to expand to other high-traffic NCR districts by November 1, 2025. These stations will be subject to routine inspections, and any violations will be reported in weekly compliance reports.

The enforcement of the ban in other NCR districts is expected to be completed by November 1, 2025. No checks will be conducted at CNG stations at this stage. The Delhi government remains committed to improving air quality and reducing pollution levels in the city, and this ban on ELVs is a significant step towards achieving these goals.

Older vehicles in Delhi face a new restriction as a fuel ban is implemented – find out if your car is included.