Delhi Bans Fuel for Old Vehicles: Key Rules, Fines & CCTV Monitoring Explained
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In a bold move to battle rising air pollution, Delhi has enforced a strict fuel ban on old petrol and diesel vehicles starting July 1, 2025. The rule, driven by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), prohibits refueling of petrol vehicles older than 15 years and diesel vehicles older than 10 years—regardless of where they are registered.
Who’s Affected?
If your petrol car is over 15 years old or your diesel vehicle is over 10, you won’t be allowed to refuel at any of Delhi’s petrol pumps. The regulation applies to all vehicles, regardless of their state of registration-meaning even vehicles from outside Delhi must comply while in the city. This move builds on earlier rulings by the Supreme Court (2018) and the National Green Tribunal (2014) aimed at phasing out older, more polluting vehicles.
CCTV, ANPR & Public Announcements Power Delhi’s Crackdown on Old Vehicles
To ensure strict enforcement of the End-of-Life Vehicle (ELV) fuel ban, Delhi has deployed smart technology across petrol stations:
These systems are being operated by the Delhi Transport Infrastructure Development Corporation (DTIDC) to keep the process smooth and efficient.
Enforcement teams have the authority to issue challans (fines) and even impound non-compliant vehicles on the spot. More officers will be deployed as needed to maintain order at all locations.
SOPs Issued for Delhi Fuel Stations to Enforce ELV Ban
To ensure uniform enforcement of the fuel ban on old vehicles, the Delhi government rolled out Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) from June 17, 2025. As per the guidelines, fuel station owners must:
Maintain a logbook (digital or manual) recording all instances of refused refuelling to ELVs.
Fuel pump owners refuelling banned vehicles face tough consequences:
Why Delhi’s ELV Fuel Ban Matters for Pollution Control
Delhi ranks among the world’s most polluted cities, with vehicle emissions being a major culprit. The fuel ban on End-of-Life Vehicles (ELVs) is a critical step to:
By phasing out ELVs, the government aims to deliver cleaner air, protect public health, and align with both national and global air quality goals.
Understanding the ELV Fuel Ban in Delhi
The ELV fuel ban marks a bold move in Delhi’s battle against toxic air - backed by tech, surveillance, and legal enforcement. Here's what vehicle owners need to know:
This forward-looking policy is part of Delhi’s commitment to a healthier, more sustainable future.
Who’s Affected?
If your petrol car is over 15 years old or your diesel vehicle is over 10, you won’t be allowed to refuel at any of Delhi’s petrol pumps. The regulation applies to all vehicles, regardless of their state of registration-meaning even vehicles from outside Delhi must comply while in the city. This move builds on earlier rulings by the Supreme Court (2018) and the National Green Tribunal (2014) aimed at phasing out older, more polluting vehicles. CCTV, ANPR & Public Announcements Power Delhi’s Crackdown on Old Vehicles
To ensure strict enforcement of the End-of-Life Vehicle (ELV) fuel ban, Delhi has deployed smart technology across petrol stations:
- CCTV Cameras: Installed at every fuel pump for 24/7 surveillance.
- Public Announcement Systems: Used to alert vehicle owners in real-time.
- ANPR Technology: Automated Number Plate Recognition scans vehicle plates to identify banned ELVs before they refuel.
These systems are being operated by the Delhi Transport Infrastructure Development Corporation (DTIDC) to keep the process smooth and efficient.
Delhi’s ELV Ban: 350 Petrol Pumps Under High-Tech Watch
A coordinated, multi-agency operation is underway across over 350 fuel stations in Delhi to enforce the ELV rule:
- Delhi Police: Monitoring fuel stations 1–100.
- Transport Department: Deployed 59 enforcement teams at outlets 101–159.
- Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD): Supporting enforcement efforts.
- Traffic Police: One officer stationed at every pump to stop refueling of banned vehicles.
Enforcement teams have the authority to issue challans (fines) and even impound non-compliant vehicles on the spot. More officers will be deployed as needed to maintain order at all locations.
SOPs Issued for Delhi Fuel Stations to Enforce ELV Ban
To ensure uniform enforcement of the fuel ban on old vehicles, the Delhi government rolled out Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) from June 17, 2025. As per the guidelines, fuel station owners must:
Maintain a logbook (digital or manual) recording all instances of refused refuelling to ELVs.
Display mandatory signage:
- “No fuel for End-of-Life Vehicles — 15-year-old Petrol/CNG & 10-year-old Diesel vehicles from 01.07.2025.”
- Train staff to identify ELVs and follow CAQM regulations properly.
- Submit weekly compliance reports to both the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) and the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.
Strict Penalties for Violation of ELV Fuel Ban
Fuel pump owners refuelling banned vehicles face tough consequences:
- Legal action under Section 192 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.
- Repeat violations may lead to blacklisting of the petrol pump.
- Enforcement teams, backed by the Anti-Pollution Control Committee, police, and ANPR tech, are empowered to seize or scrap illegal ELVs.
- Vehicle owners violating the ban will be fined and may have their vehicles impounded.
Why Delhi’s ELV Fuel Ban Matters for Pollution Control
Delhi ranks among the world’s most polluted cities, with vehicle emissions being a major culprit. The fuel ban on End-of-Life Vehicles (ELVs) is a critical step to:
- Cut down high-emission older vehicles, which significantly pollute the air.
- Promote awareness about responsible vehicle usage and eco-friendly choices.
- Improve air quality, especially ahead of the winter smog season.
By phasing out ELVs, the government aims to deliver cleaner air, protect public health, and align with both national and global air quality goals.
Understanding the ELV Fuel Ban in Delhi
The ELV fuel ban marks a bold move in Delhi’s battle against toxic air - backed by tech, surveillance, and legal enforcement. Here's what vehicle owners need to know:
- Check your vehicle’s age to see if it falls under the ban (15 years for petrol/CNG, 10 years for diesel).
- Explore cleaner alternatives - scrap old vehicles, use public transport, or upgrade to greener models.
- Follow the rules to avoid steep fines and impoundment.
This forward-looking policy is part of Delhi’s commitment to a healthier, more sustainable future.
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