Delhi Bans Fuel for 10-Year-Old Vehicles from July 1; Up to Rs 10,000 Fine If You Drive These Vehicles in City

If you drive an older vehicle in Delhi then it is time to take note. Starting July 1, a major rule will kick in that could directly impact your daily commute. According to a report by The Economic Times (ET), petrol pumps across the National capital will stop refueling old diesel and petrol vehicles as part of a push to cut down on air pollution. This move, announced by authorities and backed by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), is expected to affect thousands of vehicles that fall under the "overage" category.

Delhi' New Fuel and Vehicle Rule: Check If You Have 10 Years Old Vehicle

From next month, diesel vehicles older than 10 years and petrol vehicles older than 15 years will no longer be eligible to fill up at any fuel station in Delhi. These vehicles are considered end-of-life (EOL) and are a known contributor to the city's alarming pollution levels. The CAQM has reminded fuel stations of its earlier directive to strictly enforce this rule from July 1.

To make sure the rule is properly enforced, Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras are being installed at petrol pumps across the city. These smart cameras scan a vehicle's number plate and check its age using the VAHAN database, which stores registration details. If your vehicle is too old, the system will automatically block fuel service.

According to ET, Delhi's Environment Minister Manjinder Sirsa confirmed that about 500 fuel stations will have these ANPR cameras installed by June 30. He emphasized that the aim is to identify and restrict old vehicles that are still on the roads, even though they're no longer legally allowed to operate in Delhi. Sirsa stated, "To reduce vehicular pollution, devices are being installed at fuel stations throughout the city to identify such vehicles, and these cars will be denied fuel."

Fine Up to Rs 10,000 If You Drive a Vehicle 10 Years or Older

The consequences for ignoring this rule are serious. If your vehicle is caught at a fuel station, you could face a fine of Rs 10,000 for cars and Rs 5,000 for two-wheelers. And as per the ET report, if it is found running again on the roads after being flagged, the vehicle can be sent to a scrapyard.

Officials have also noted that some people register their vehicles outside of Delhi to get around local pollution laws. However, CAQM's technical member, Virendra Sharma, told ET that these loopholes will now be discouraged, and stricter monitoring will be in place.

So, if you are a vehicle owner in Delhi, now is the time to check your vehicle registration certificate (RC). If your vehicle falls under the overage category, you will need to stop using it or face fines and scrapping. This is a big move in Delhi's ongoing fight against air pollution and it is one you cannot afford to ignore