Delhi’s worsening air quality has pushed authorities to tighten restrictions on vehicles, leading to strict bans, intensified checks, and hefty penalties. Among the measures is a crackdown on Pollution Under Control (PUC) violations, with over 2.7 lakh challans issued this year alone. This marks the highest number of PUC-related penalties in three years. In October, a focused drive at key junctions like ITO Chowk, Peeragarhi, and Ashram Chowk saw over 47,000 motorists fined Rs 10,000 each for not possessing valid PUC certificates.
Delhi pollution: Banned vehicles
The enforcement of Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) has further escalated restrictions. BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles are now banned from plying in the city. Violators face fines of up to Rs 20,000 under Section 194(1) of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. Diesel medium goods vehicles with BS-III standards or older, registered in Delhi, are prohibited unless transporting essential goods. Similarly, diesel light commercial vehicles from outside Delhi are barred from entering unless carrying essential items. Inter-state buses from NCR states that do not meet BS-VI diesel norms are also restricted, with the exception of All-India Tourist Permit buses.
Delhi pollution: Vehicle bans and impound
In addition to these bans, the Delhi Transport Department has impounded 2,234 overage vehicles between October 1 and November 15. This includes 260 diesel vehicles over 10 years old and 1,974 petrol vehicles, such as two-wheelers and smaller four-wheelers, that exceed the 15-year age limit. These actions are part of a broader initiative aimed at reducing vehicular emissions, which remain a major contributor to the city’s pollution crisis.
Traffic violations in Delhi have surged, with over 4,55,000 challans issued and nine lakh challan sent for various offenses this year. Authorities have attributed this rise to stricter enforcement measures aimed at deterring non-compliance with environmental and traffic regulations.
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Delhi pollution: Is your vehicle safe?
Despite the bans, vehicles running on CNG and electricity remain unaffected, while diesel vehicles under 10 years old and petrol vehicles under 15 years old are still allowed to operate, provided they fall under the allowed Bharat-Stage emission standards.
