Delhi NCR News: End-of-Life Vehicles to Be Impounded at Fuel Stations Starting July 1

On July 1, 2025, Delhi NCR will also implement one of the most impactful environmental provisions: as per the directions of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), end-of-life (EOL) vehicles caught refuelling at petrol pumps will be seized on the spot. This is one of the biggest steps taken by the sector towards controlling vehicular pollution and enforcing environmental compliance.

According to the report posted by Hindustan Times, the regulation will be enforced all around Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, Ghaziabad, Faridabad, and the rest of the towns in the NCR. Operators of fuel stations have been asked to cooperate with the concerned authorities by refusing to refuel EOL vehicles. As soon as they spot these vehicles, they must inform the teams appointed to enforce this measure.

What Are EOL Vehicles?

According to the guidelines issued by Delhi's transport department and upheld by the National Green Tribunal (NGT), EOL vehicles refer to cars and trucks whose valid usage period has expired. This period is 10 years in the case of diesel vehicles and 15 years in the case of petrol vehicles. When deregistered, such cars cannot be used in any capacity on public roads.

The crackdown on the fuel stations is considered a last-mile enforcement device, with EOL vehicles being a commonality on the roads even after deregistration.

Enforcement Strategy and Public Awareness

In order to enforce this rule, CAQM has made it clear to the District Magistrates, Regional Transport Offices (RTOs), and local police to work in close collaboration with each other. Managers of fuel stations will become important as they will check the registration information and notify the authorities.

It has also established a campaign to sensitise people on the consequences of failure to comply, including impoundment and heavy fines. The government has threatened that any vehicle found flouting the rules of EOL could also be scrapped without any pay-off.

Public Reaction and Environmental Impact

Whereas other citizens have lauded the move as a long-awaited environmental action, other citizens have emerged to express their concern about the lack of awareness and alternative means of transport. Nevertheless, environmentalists hail this move, as they believe that air quality would be better, notably before the winter period when pollution is intense in Delhi NCR.

The new regulation is an indication of the increased need to implement green guidelines in one of the most congested urban areas on the planet.