Old Car Policy in Delhi: Does Your Vehicle Fall Under the Ban?

In a move announced in March, the Delhi government unveiled plans to curb air pollution by banning the sale of petrol and diesel at fuel stations to vehicles that exceed a certain age limit — 15 years for petrol and 10 years for diesel vehicles. 

This step is part of a broader effort to address Delhi’s ongoing air quality challenges, which worsen notably during specific months due to vehicular emissions and other contributing factors. 

Read on to find out if your vehicle is affected by the new fuel sale restrictions and how the government plans to enforce this policy. 

Does Your Vehicle Fall Under the Ban?

If you’re a vehicle owner in Delhi, you should: 

• Check your vehicle’s registration year. This can be done through the Vahan portal. The portal provides information about your vehicle’s registration date. 

• Determine whether your vehicle runs on petrol or diesel. 

• Confirm whether your vehicle is older than 15 years (petrol) or 10 years (diesel). 

If it does fall under these categories, you may no longer be able to refuel it within city limits. 

How the Government Will Identify Older Vehicles? 

To enforce the policy, the Delhi government is using Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras at fuel stations throughout the city. These smart, AI-powered cameras scan license plates and match the data with the Vahan database to detect a vehicle’s age. 

If a vehicle is found to be beyond the permissible age limit, fuel station staff receive alerts to stop refuelling that vehicle. 

This initiative is part of Delhi’s larger effort to curb vehicular emissions and improve air quality. Vehicle owners are advised to stay up to date on their compliance status and explore alternative transport options if needed. 

When Will Delhi’s Vehicle Age-Based Fuel Ban Start? 

The new policy to restrict fuel sales to vehicles over 15 years old for petrol and 10 years for diesel will be fully implemented by the end of April 2025.  

As of now, approximately 477 out of 500 fuel stations in Delhi are already equipped with Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) systems.  

The remaining stations are expected to complete the installation by the end of the month, ensuring comprehensive enforcement across the city. 

Read More: Old Car? No Fuel in Delhi Soon as ANPR Cameras Go Live at Fuel Stations.

Conclusion 

Delhi’s new policy, which restricts fuel sales to vehicles older than 15 years for petrol and 10 years for diesel, aims to address the city’s severe air pollution issues. Vehicle owners in Delhi should verify their vehicle’s registration details on the Vahan portal to ensure they are in compliance with the new rules. 

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