Starting July 1, 2025, you will not be able to get fuel in Delhi if you own a diesel or petrol old cars. This rule applies to all diesel vehicles over 10 years old and all petrol vehicles over 15 years old—no matter which state they are registered in.
The goal is simple: clean up Delhi’s air, which is often among the most polluted in the world.
Who Will This Affect?
This rule is not just for Delhi residents. If you’re driving into the city from another state, it still applies. If your vehicle is older than the allowed limit, you won’t be able to fill fuel anywhere in Delhi.
This move is expected to affect thousands of vehicle owners, especially those who use older cars for daily commutes or small businesses.
How Will It Be Implemented?
Most petrol pumps in Delhi now have Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras. These cameras scan your number plate and check your car’s age using the government’s vehicle database.
If your vehicle is older than the limit, the staff will not give you fuel. Petrol stations must also:
- Put up clear signs about the new rule
- Keep records of vehicles denied fuel
- Submit weekly reports to the authorities
What Happens If You Break the Rule?
If someone tries to refuel a banned vehicle:
- Their vehicle could be impounded
- It may even be sent for scrapping as per government rules
- Petrol stations that ignore the rule can face legal action
The transport and traffic departments will send out special teams to check if the rules are being followed at fuel stations.
Why Is This Rule Being Introduced?
Delhi’s air quality has been poor for years, and old vehicles are one of the top causes of air pollution. The government wants to reduce the number of high-pollution vehicles and push people to:
- Buy newer, cleaner vehicles
- Use public transport
- Consider electric vehicles or CNG alternatives
This rule is a part of a bigger strategy to improve Delhi’s environment and health conditions.
What Are People Saying?
Not everyone is happy about the rule. Some vehicle owners feel it is unfair because:
- Their vehicles are still in good condition
- They have passed fitness tests, so they should be allowed to run
Many people are now rushing to sell their cars before the deadline. Second-hand car dealers are also seeing a spike in activity.
What Should You Do Now?
If you own an old vehicle, here’s what you need to do:
- Check your car’s age—if it’s a diesel car older than 10 years or a petrol car older than 15 years, you won’t be allowed to refuel in Delhi
- Consider selling, upgrading, or scrapping your old vehicle
- Stay informed, because this rule may soon expand to other NCR cities
This is a big step by the government. While it may feel strict now, the long-term goal is to ensure cleaner air and a healthier life for everyone.
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Raja Yadav, the content writer at My Car Wisdom, brings a unique voice and style to our blog. With a knack for storytelling and a keen eye for detail, Raja ensures that every piece of content is informative, engaging, and easy to understand. His focus is on delivering high-quality articles that cater to both novice car owners and seasoned automotive enthusiasts.
