Fuel Ban on Old Vehicles to Be Enforced in Delhi-NCR from November 1

In a major move aimed at curbing air pollution, the Delhi government has announced that a fuel ban on overage vehicles in the Delhi-NCR region will be enforced starting November 1, 2025. This comes just days after the government had temporarily lifted restrictions on diesel vehicles older than 10 years and petrol vehicles older than 15 years.

Fuel Ban on Old Vehicles to Be Enforced in Delhi-NCR from November 1

The ban will apply strictly in accordance with the guidelines set by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and the Supreme Court, which prohibit the operation of aging vehicles due to their higher emission levels. Vehicles found violating the rules will face severe penalties, including deregistration, fines, and possible seizure.

Officials stated that this move is part of a broader effort to tackle rising air pollution levels during the winter months, when the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi and surrounding regions often dips to hazardous levels.

The transport department has urged vehicle owners to shift to electric vehicles or CNG-based alternatives, and scrap older vehicles in exchange for benefits under the Vehicle Scrappage Policy. Public awareness campaigns and checks will be intensified in the coming weeks to ensure full compliance.

The decision is expected to affect thousands of private and commercial vehicle owners across Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad, Gurugram, and Faridabad. 

Push for Green Alternatives

The Delhi Transport Department is encouraging citizens to opt for electric or CNG vehicles and to avail incentives under the Vehicle Scrappage Policy. Several EV and green fuel transition schemes are being promoted to make this shift easier for middle- and lower-income families who rely on older vehicles for daily commutes or business purposes.

Monitoring and Enforcement Strategy

Enforcement teams will be deployed across Delhi and surrounding NCR cities to ensure compliance. Automated number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras and transport department databases will be used to track and flag overage vehicles on roads. Officials warned that re-registered or tampered documents will not be accepted as valid exemptions.