Tuesday, July 01, 2025
By Kamal Swami
No Over-Age Vehicles Allowed on Delhi Roads
In a major step to combat rising air pollution levels, the government of Delhi has finally enforced a ban on refuelling End-of-Life (EoL) vehicles starting today. According to reports diesel vehicles over 10 years old and petrol vehicles older than 15 years will no longer be allowed to refuel at any petrol station in the national capital. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in coordination with the Transport Department, Delhi Police, and Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), will be responsible for monitoring the implementation of the ban across Delhi. The step also marks a significant push in implementing the 2014 National Green Tribunal’s order and the 2018 Supreme Court ruling on vehicular age limits.
A total of 350 petrol stations across the city have been identified for strict policy enforcement. The first 100 stations, with the highest number of EoL vehicles, will be closely monitored by Delhi Police teams. Fifty-nine stations will fall under the supervision of Transport Department officials, while 91 sensitive locations will be overseen by joint teams from both departments. The remaining 100 stations will be monitored by MCD personnel. The squads appointed to monitor the situation have been granted the authority to issue fines or seize non-compliant vehicles. According to officials, all fuel outlets are required to display clear signage stating:
“Fuel will not be dispensed to End-of-Life Vehicles — i.e., 15-year-old Petrol and CNG and 10-year-old Diesel from 01.07.2025.”
Additionally, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) have been issued, mandating petrol pump staff to record every fuel refusal incident. The fuel stations must also train personnel to recognize and deny service to EoL vehicles. To assist in identifying such vehicles, Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) systems have been installed, with the Delhi Transport Infrastructure Development Corporation (DTIDC) responsible for system maintenance. This will help in identifying the actual identity of the vehicle in less time.
According to the VAHAAN database, Delhi has approximately 62 lakh EoL vehicles, including 41 lakh two-wheelers and 18 lakh four-wheelers. The issue extends beyond Delhi, with an additional 46 lakh EoL vehicles registered in NCR areas of Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan. Petrol stations found violating the directive will face penalties under Section 192 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. Weekly compliance reports will be submitted to both the CAQM and the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, ensuring continued oversight and enforcement. This initiative is expected to significantly reduce vehicular emissions in the capital and strengthen the government’s broader environmental goals.
