Delhi-NCR cracks down on older vehicles as air turns "Severe+"
Delhi just rolled out Stage IV of its pollution plan after AQI levels entered the Severe+ category, with readings above 500 in many areas.
Now, older commercial vehicles—specifically BS3 petrol and BS4 diesel—are banned from entering or driving around Delhi-NCR, unless they're doing essential work.
The rules will stay until the air gets better.
Who can drive and what happens if you break the rules?
Only newer, cleaner vehicles (BS6-compliant or electric/CNG/LNG) are allowed on the roads without hassle.
If you get caught breaking these rules, expect heavy fines—up to ₹20,000 for using banned vehicles and ₹10,000 if your PUC certificate isn't up to date.
No valid PUC? No fuel for you starting December 18
From December 18 onward, petrol pumps in Delhi-NCR won't refuel your vehicle if you don't have a valid pollution certificate.
It's all part of a big push to clean up the city's air—so double-check your docs before heading out.