Delhi To deny fuel To These vehicles From July 1: Fines Up To ₹10,000 Apply

In a significant step towards reducing vehicular emissions, Delhi is set to enforce a strict fuel ban on older petrol and diesel vehicles starting 1 July. Petrol vehicles over 15 years old and diesel vehicles over 10 years old will no longer be permitted to refuel within city limits. This initiative, backed by advanced surveillance systems and stringent penalties, is aimed at curbing pollution levels and bringing cleaner air to the capital. The move is part of a broader, phased plan that will later extend to other NCR districts.

Fuel Ban to Target Expired Vehicles in the Capital

Delhi's latest move against vehicular pollution involves direct action at petrol stations. Any petrol-powered vehicle older than 15 years or diesel-powered vehicle exceeding 10 years will be denied refuelling at fuel stations across the city. These vehicles, identified as End-of-Life (EOL), are considered a significant contributor to air quality deterioration.

The directive, issued under air pollution control measures, applies regardless of where the vehicle is registered. Even out-of-state vehicles that fall under the age criteria will be affected. The enforcement is strict—owners risk immediate vehicle impoundment and stiff monetary penalties if found violating the rules.

ANPR Cameras to Flag Outdated Vehicles

To implement this measure, approximately 500 fuel stations across Delhi have been equipped with Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) systems. These high-tech cameras automatically scan number plates and retrieve vehicle data from the VAHAN national database. If a vehicle is flagged as EOL based on its age and fuel type, the system notifies the fuel station staff.

Upon receiving the alert, fuel station personnel will withhold service and report the vehicle. Dedicated enforcement teams may act on the spot, towing away the vehicle if it is found on public roads or attempting to refuel.

Heavy Penalties and Scrapping Orders for Violators

Motorists found violating this regulation face steep fines—₹10,000 for four-wheelers and ₹5,000 for two-wheelers. In addition to this penalty, vehicle owners may be liable to pay for towing and parking charges if their vehicle is impounded.

Once seized, such vehicles will be directed to authorised scrapping centres. Vehicle owners must submit a written undertaking, confirming that they will not operate or park the vehicle within city limits and will arrange for its removal. If the owner intends to transfer the vehicle to another location, a no-objection certificate (NOC) must be obtained within a year of the vehicle reaching its expiry age.

Extended Rollout to Cover NCR Districts

This regulatory framework will not be limited to Delhi alone. By 1 November, the same enforcement mechanism is scheduled to be rolled out across five major neighbouring districts—Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, Gautam Budh Nagar, and Sonipat. These areas have been identified for early implementation due to their high vehicle density and proximity to the capital.

The installation of ANPR cameras in these districts is expected to be completed by the end of October. Other NCR regions will follow, with the final enforcement phase beginning on 1 April 2026. Until then, authorities have allowed time for infrastructure setup and public awareness.

Vehicle Owners Urged to Stay Informed and Compliant

Transport authorities are urging vehicle owners to verify the age and status of their vehicles using the VAHAN database and take proactive steps. Those whose vehicles are nearing their end-of-life date should consider obtaining the necessary certificates or plan for scrapping or transfer outside the NCR region.

Authorities emphasise that this move is not meant to inconvenience citizens but to address the city’s urgent air quality concerns. With Delhi frequently topping pollution charts, reducing emissions from outdated vehicles is a critical step towards a healthier urban environment.

Long-Term Vision for Cleaner Roads

This bold action forms part of a larger vision to phase out high-pollution vehicles and promote cleaner mobility solutions. By removing aged, high-emission vehicles from public roads, the initiative is expected to lower PM2.5 and NOx levels in the air, contributing to cleaner and safer city spaces.

The integration of real-time technology, such as ANPR systems, marks a major leap in how traffic and environmental regulations are enforced. It also signals an increasing alignment between technology, policy, and sustainability in Indian cities.