Quick Read
- Fuel Restrictions: Petrol banned for vehicles older than 15 years, diesel for those older than 10 years.
- Immediate Seizure: EOL (End-of-Life) vehicles found at fuel stations or parked in public areas will be impounded.
- Fines: ₹10,000 for four-wheelers, ₹5,000 for two-wheelers, plus towing and parking charges.
- Tech Backing: Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras installed at around 500 fuel stations in Delhi.
- Phased Rollout: Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, Gautam Budh Nagar, and Sonipat to follow by November 2025, with NCR expansion by April 2026.
- Enforcement Teams: Over 100 teams, including traffic police and transport officials, deployed for implementation.
Stricter Enforcement Begins in Delhi
To address growing vehicular pollution, Delhi has initiated strict measures starting July 1, 2025. End-of-Life (EOL) vehicles are now restricted from refueling at petrol pumps and face immediate impoundment if caught at fuel stations or parked in public areas.
This initiative, spearheaded by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), includes stringent fines of ₹10,000 for four-wheelers and ₹5,000 for two-wheelers, as well as towing and parking charges.
ANPR Cameras Lead the Way
About 500 fuel stations in Delhi are relying on Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras to identify and notify vehicles violating these rules. Here’s how the system works:
- Scans vehicle number plates.
- Cross-verifies data against the VAHAN database.
- Alerts fuel station staff to deny refueling and notifies enforcement teams to take action.
What About the NCR?
This program will eventually expand to the National Capital Region (NCR). Key cities such as Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, Gautam Budh Nagar, and Sonipat will adopt similar restrictions starting November 1, 2025, with further implementation across NCR districts by April 1, 2026.
Infrastructure upgrades, including more ANPR cameras, are slated to be complete by March 31, 2026.
Why Is This Important?
Delhi alone has an estimated 62 lakh end-of-life vehicles, including 41 lakh two-wheelers, contributing significantly to air pollution. NCR exacerbates this issue with an additional 44 lakh outdated vehicles. By curbing their use, authorities aim to tackle one of the biggest contributors to poor air quality.
Extra Measures for Compliance
- Enforcement Teams: Over 100 teams, consisting of traffic police and transport department officials, will monitor and enforce compliance.
- Preventing Disputes: Additional personnel have been stationed at non-compliant fuel stations to ensure smooth operations.
- Vehicle Entry Points: ANPR cameras are also being installed at Delhi’s 156 entry points to target older buses and heavy goods vehicles.
Delhi’s bold approach marks a significant step toward improving air quality and holding vehicle owners accountable. With the phased rollout in the NCR, the initiative underscores a broader goal of sustainable environmental policies.
Stay informed, and ensure your vehicle complies with these updated rules to avoid penalties.
