Delhi pollution crisis: Vehicle restrictions, fines, and essential tips for travellers

Delhi has taken some strict actions to reduce vehicle pollution to combat the worsening air quality. Travellers must be aware of the new rules in order to prevent fines and delays, as authorities have increased vehicle inspections, enforced stringent prohibitions, and levied severe penalties. Here’s all that you need to know.



Crackdown on Pollution Under Control (PUC) violationsReports add that more than 2.7 lakh challans have been issued this year—the most in three years. This year has seen an unprecedented focus on Pollution Under Control (PUC) compliance. During a focused effort at important traffic intersections, such as ITO Chowk, Peeragarhi, and Ashram Chowk, more than 47,000 drivers were fined INR 10,000 each for failing to possess valid PUC certificates.
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Vehicle bans under GRAP Stage IVThe enforcement of Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) has introduced stricter vehicle restrictions.

BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles are banned from operating in Delhi.
Diesel medium goods vehicles (BS-III and older) registered in Delhi can only transport essential goods.

Diesel light commercial vehicles from outside Delhi are prohibited unless carrying essential items.

Inter-state buses from NCR states failing to meet BS-VI diesel norms are restricted, except for All-India Tourist Permit buses.

Violators of these bans face hefty fines of up to INR 20,000 under Section 194(1) of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.

Vehicle restrictionsAccording to sources, between October 1 and November 15, the Delhi Transport Department seized 2,234 cars, including 260 diesel vehicles older than 10 years and 1,974 petrol vehicles older than 15 years. These steps are part of a larger strategy to reduce car emissions, which are a significant cause of pollution in Delhi.

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Traffic violations and penaltiesOver 4,55,000 challans have been issued and nine lakh challans have been dispatched for various offences this year due to tougher enforcement. Authorities anticipate that these fines will promote adherence to traffic and environmental laws.

What travellers should keep in mind
Travellers to Delhi must ensure their vehicles comply with the latest emission norms:

- Carry a valid PUC certificate.

- Avoid using BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles within the city.

- Ensure diesel vehicles are under 10 years old and petrol vehicles are under 15 years old.
- Opt for CNG or electric vehicles, which remain unaffected by the bans.