Delhi government to crack down on BS-III, older EOL vehicles
Economic Times, 17 Feb '26
Delhi's transport department is expected to launch a crackdown on end-of-life (ELV) vehicles conforming to BS-III and older emission norms if they are found operating or parked in public areas across the city.
The use of ELVs in the capital was prohibited following National Green Tribunal orders in 2014 and 2015, and subsequent Supreme Court directions in 2018, due to their contribution to Delhi's air pollution.
In August 2025, the Supreme Court granted interim relief to vehicle owners in Delhi-NCR by staying the blanket ban on 10-year-old diesel and 15-year-old petrol vehicles, questioning whether age alone was an appropriate criterion for determining pollution levels.
However, in December 2025, the court modified its order following a noticeable increase in older vehicles on the roads, restoring enforcement against ELVs that fall below BS-IV emission standards. The court clarified that action can now be taken only against vehicles below BS-IV emission standards.
In a public notice, the transport department stated: "Strict action shall be taken against end-of-life vehicles of BS-III and lower emission norms. Owners are advised to obtain a no-objection certificate (NOC) for transfer outside the NCR. Such vehicles found operating or parked in public areas within Delhi shall be impounded and scrapped without further notice, in accordance with the law."
A transport department official emphasised that vehicle owners must verify their emission norm category. "Legal transfer of these vehicles is being facilitated through the mandatory NOC for re-registration outside the NCR. However, there will be no leniency," the official added. The timeline for the city-wide drive has yet to be finalised.
The warning coincides with ongoing efforts by authorities to phase out older, more polluting vehicles from Delhi's roads.
Owners of ELVs caught operating or parking their vehicles in public spaces face fines of Rs. 10,000 (US$ 110) for four-wheelers and Rs. 5,000 for two-wheelers, in addition to towing and parking charges.
The Delhi government issues NOCs to enable the transfer and re-registration of ELVs in other states. Such vehicles can be registered in Rajasthan (all districts), 18 districts of Bihar, 26 districts of Maharashtra, 33 districts of Uttar Pradesh, and all districts of West Bengal.
