Delhi enforces ban on fuel for old vehicles to curb pollution: Strict CCTV monitoring, penalties and other key details you need to know

Time of India

3 days ago

Delhi fuel ban
:
A strict ban on refueling End-of-Vehicles (ELVs) imposed by Delhi over 15 years and diesel vehicles over 10 years (petrol and diesel respectively). This initiative, mandated by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), aims to curb rising air pollution in the national capital. Backed by advanced surveillance tools like ANPR cameras and enforced by coordinated teams from the Transport Department, Delhi Police, and MCD, the policy enables real-time monitoring and strict on-ground compliance. Strengthened by legal backing under the Motor Vehicles Act, this initiative marks a crucial step in Delhi's broader mission to combat air pollution and safeguard public health.
Delhi fuel ban: Which vehicles are affected
The prohibition bars petrol cars older than 15 years and diesel cars older than 10 years from refueling in Delhi. This implies:
Petrol cars:
Refuelling not permitted if the car is
older than 15 years
.
Diesel cars:
Refuelling not permitted if the car is
older than 10 years
.
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The regulation applies irrespective of the place of registration of the vehicle, so even other-state vehicles have to adhere while being within Delhi. The step follows previous Supreme Court (2018) and National Green Tribunal (2014) judgments to cut down on older, more environmentally polluting vehicles on the road.
CCTV, ANPR, and public alerts drive ELV ban enforcement
In order to ensure that the ban is implemented effectively, Delhi has placed various technology-based systems at petrol outlets:
CCTV cameras:
Placed at every petrol pump for round-the-clock monitoring.
Public announcement systems:
Utilised to notify and alert the owners of vehicles in real time.
Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR):
The technology recognizes the vehicles that come under the ELV category by reading the number plates as the vehicles move towards the pumps.
The Delhi Transport Infrastructure Development Corporation (DTIDC)
takes the responsibility of operating these systems to make the processes smooth and real-time.
Delhi fuel ban: 350 petrol pumps under surveillance as agencies implement ELV rule
A multi-agency effort has been initiated to implement the ban at more than 350 fuel outlets in Delhi:
Delhi Police:
Monitoring fuel outlets 1 to 100.
Delhi Transport Department:
Running 59 enforcement teams at fuel outlets 101 to 159.
Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD):
Assisting monitoring and enforcement.
Traffic Police:
Stationing one officer at each of the 350 fuel stations to stop refuelling of prohibited vehicles.
Further officers will be stationed at every pump to ensure orderliness. The enforcement teams have powers to impound cars and issue challans (fines) to transgressors.
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for fuel stations
In order to ensure consistency and compliance with the law, the Delhi government released detailed SOPs from June 17, 2025. These directives mandate fuel station owners to:
Keep obligatory logbooks (digital or paper) noting all refused refuelling attempts on ELVs.
Put up clear signage declaring the prohibition:
"Fuel will not be dispensed to End-of-Life Vehicles — i.e. 15 years old Petrol and CNG and 10 years old Diesel from 01.07.2025."
Train personnel properly to identify ELVs and implement CAQM guidelines correctly.
Provide weekly compliance reports to the Commission for Air Quality Management and the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.
Penalties for non-compliance with the ban on ELV fuel in Delhi petrol pumps
Petrol pump owners found refuelling prohibited vehicles are subject to severe legal action:
Penalties under Section 192 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, dealing with offences for use of a motor vehicle.
Repeat offenders can face blacklisting of fuel stations.
The Anti-Pollution Control Committee has authorised enforcement teams to seize and even scrap ELVs running illegally, with police back-up and ANPR-based inputs.
Vehicle owners who breach the ban will be charged a penalty and face the possibility of impounding of the vehicle.
Why this ban is so important for pollution control in Delhi
Delhi is one of the most polluted urban areas in the world, with automotive emissions making a large contribution to unhealthy air. This ban on fuel is an important move to:
Decrease pollution from transport by taking off the road high-emission older cars.
Spread awareness among the public regarding vehicle life and eco-friendliness.
Enhance air quality, particularly before winter when pollution usually reaches its peak.
By targeting ELVs, the government aims to provide cleaner air for residents and meet national and international air quality standards.
Why ELV fuel ban in Delhi
The ELV fuel ban is a landmark initiative in Delhi's fight against air pollution, backed by technology and strong legal enforcement. Vehicle owners should:
Check their vehicle's registration date and determine if it falls under the ban.
Consider alternatives such as scrapping old vehicles, switching to public transport, or upgrading to newer, cleaner vehicles.
Comply with the ban to avoid hefty fines and vehicle impoundment.
This proactive approach reflects Delhi's commitment to healthier air and sustainable urban living.