Delhi Government Suspends Fuel Ban on Older Vehicles Amid Public Outcry
New Delhi: In a swift reversal, the Delhi government has put a hold on its recently imposed ban on refueling older vehicles, following widespread public discontent.The order, which took effect on July 1, prohibited fuel stations from dispensing fuel to diesel vehicles older then 10 years and petrol vehicles older than 15 years. The governmentS letter to the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) requests the refuelling ban be “put on hold with immediate effect.”
Despite the suspension of the fuel ban, restrictions on the use of end-of-life (EoL) vehicles on Delhi roads remain in effect, based on previous court orders [[1]]. These vehicles are still prohibited from being driven or parked in public spaces.The Delhi transport department is authorized to impound vehicles found in violation and, if necesary, send them for scrapping.
Rules Still in Place for End-of-Life Vehicles
Even with the refuelling ban suspended, the following rules continue to apply to EoL vehicles in delhi-NCR:
- EoL vehicles are banned from plying on Delhi roads.
- EoL vehicles are banned from being parked in public spaces.
- The transport department has the authority to impound violating vehicles.
If impounded, owners seeking to recover their EoL vehicles must obtain a No-Objection Certificate (NoC) from the Delhi government. This requires submitting an undertaking, with proof, that the vehicle will be taken out of Delhi or parked in a private parking space within the city. Penalties also apply: ₹10,000 for four-wheelers and ₹5,000 for two- or three-wheelers.
Did You Know? The Delhi transport department deregistered nearly 61 lakh EoL vehicles from the registry by 2024.
Background of the Old Vehicle Ban
The initial ban on older vehicles in Delhi was introduced over a decade ago by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) to combat rising air pollution. The NGT’s principal bench issued the order on November 26, 2014, during a hearing on air pollution sources, including vehicle emissions [[2]].
The NGT order initially focused on diesel vehicles older than 10 years and petrol vehicles older than 15 years. It instructed delhi’s traffic and transport departments to seize violating vehicles.This order was later upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018,directing the transport department to publicize the ban’s implementation.
Retrieving Impounded vehicles: What You Need to Know
Enforcement drives to remove older vehicles from Delhi roads began in 2023. Vehicle owners subsequently filed petitions in the Supreme Court, seeking a procedure for the release of impounded vehicles. In response, the Supreme Court directed the Delhi government to establish a policy allowing owners to reclaim their vehicles under specific conditions.
This led to the “Guidelines for handling end-of-life vehicles in public places of Delhi,” issued by the transport department on February 20, 2024. These guidelines outline the process for owners to take their eol vehicles outside Delhi by submitting an undertaking and paying the applicable penalty. Alternatively,owners can park the vehicle in a private space within Delhi,provided they furnish proof of the parking space.
Pro Tip: Vehicles impounded more than once will be sent directly to scrapping yards and will not be released.
Timeline of Key Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| November 26, 2014 | NGT bans EoL vehicles from Delhi roads. |
| October 29,2018 | Supreme Court upholds NGT order. |
| January 1, 2022 | Transport department begins deregistering old vehicles. |
| February 20,2024 | “Guidelines for handling end-of-life vehicles” issued. |
| July 1, 2025 | Fuel ban on older vehicles implemented, then suspended. |
In march 2025, the CAQM decided to ban fuel provision to vehicles at petrol pumps to enforce the removal of such vehicles. The order, initially set to take effect on April 30, then july 1, is now facing a recall.
What are your thoughts on the Delhi government’s decision to suspend the fuel ban? How else can Delhi address air pollution concerns?
Evergreen Insights: The Ongoing Battle Against Air Pollution in Delhi
Delhi’s struggle with air pollution is a long-standing issue, exacerbated by rapid urbanization and increasing vehicle density [[3]]. The ban on older vehicles is one of many measures implemented over the years to improve air quality in the region. Other initiatives include promoting public transportation, encouraging the use of electric vehicles, and implementing stricter emission standards for industries.
The effectiveness of these measures remains a subject of debate, with some studies suggesting that they have had a limited impact on overall air quality. Though, there is a general consensus that a multi-pronged approach, involving government regulations, technological advancements, and public awareness campaigns, is necessary to address the complex challenge of air pollution in Delhi.
Frequently Asked Questions About Delhi’s Vehicle Regulations
- Why did Delhi ban older vehicles?
- Delhi banned older vehicles to reduce air pollution caused by vehicle emissions, as older vehicles tend to have higher emission levels.
- What are the current rules for end-of-life vehicles in Delhi?
- currently, end-of-life vehicles are banned from being driven or parked in public spaces in delhi. Violators face impoundment.
- how can I retrieve my impounded end-of-life vehicle in Delhi?
- To retrieve an impounded EoL vehicle, you need a No-Objection Certificate from the Delhi government, an undertaking to take the vehicle out of Delhi or park it in a private space, and payment of applicable penalties.
- What is the penalty for retrieving an impounded four-wheeler in Delhi?
- The penalty for retrieving an impounded four-wheeler in Delhi is ₹10,000.
- What happens if my vehicle is impounded more than once in delhi?
- If your vehicle is impounded more than once in Delhi, it will be sent to a scrapping yard and will not be released.
- What was the purpose of the now-suspended fuel ban in Delhi?
- The fuel ban aimed to prevent older, more polluting vehicles from operating by restricting their access to fuel.
- where can I find the official guidelines for handling end-of-life vehicles in Delhi?
- The official guidelines are available from the Delhi transport department.
Disclaimer: This article provides general facts and should not be considered legal advice. Consult with a qualified professional for specific guidance.