In a major step to curb air pollution, the Delhi Transport Department has announced stringent enforcement against end-of-life vehicles. According to a public notice, diesel vehicles older than 10 years and petrol vehicles older than 15 years found plying on roads or parked in public places will be seized without prior notice and sent for scrapping.
The move aims to enforce emission norms more strictly and reduce the number of high-polluting, ageing vehicles in the national capital. Officials said a citywide enforcement campaign will be rolled out soon, with joint teams conducting area-wise checks.
Focus on BS-III and lower emission vehicles
The notice specifically targets vehicles compliant with BS-III or lower emission standards, which will fall under the seizure category. Such vehicles will not be allowed to operate on roads or remain parked in public spaces.
Vehicle owners have been advised to obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) and transfer their vehicles to states outside the NCR, or voluntarily deposit them at authorised scrapping facilities before enforcement begins.
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Provision for immediate seizure
Officials clarified that once enforcement teams identify an overage vehicle, it can be impounded on the spot and processed for scrapping. There will be no requirement for prior individual notice. After seizure, recovery of the vehicle will not be permitted.
Options available to owners
Owners of end-of-life vehicles have three primary options:
- Obtain NOC and move the vehicle out of NCR
- Submit the vehicle at an authorised scrapping centre
- Make alternative compliant arrangements
Failure to act in time may lead to direct seizure during enforcement drives.
Likely impact on new vehicle sales
The crackdown is expected to accelerate new vehicle registrations, as seen during previous enforcement phases when many owners replaced ageing vehicles before restrictions took effect.
Part of a broader pollution control strategy
The action forms part of Delhi’s wider air quality management plan, which includes phased removal of old vehicles, implementation of the vehicle scrappage policy and tighter emission monitoring.
Awareness campaign to follow
The transport department will also launch an awareness campaign to inform vehicle owners about compliance rules, NOC procedures and scrapping options.
Experts emphasise that strict enforcement must be complemented by improved public transport, promotion of electric vehicles and viable mobility alternatives to achieve sustained pollution reduction.
The enforcement drive will begin shortly with area wise operations planned.
About the author – Rehan Khan is a law student and legal journalist with a keen interest in cybercrime, digital fraud, and emerging technology laws. He writes on the intersection of law, cybersecurity, and online safety, focusing on developments that impact individuals and institutions in India.
