GRAP Stage 3 Update: Latest Car Rules, Restrictions And Penalties Explained

With Delhi-NCR currently registering an Air Quality Index (AQI) in the “severe” range (above 400), the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) recently notified that only Stage 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is active, contrary to circulating reports of Stage 4 enforcement. For car owners in the region, this means certain petrol and diesel vehicles face curbs, fines apply for non-compliance, and you should prepare your vehicle and commute strategy accordingly. Below we break down what Stage 3 means for drivers, what’s allowed, banned and what penalties you might face.

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What’s Allowed And What’s Not For Cars

Under GRAP Stage 3 (triggered when AQI crosses approximately 401-450),

several vehicle restrictions apply across Delhi and the surrounding NCR. These are:

- Private petrol cars meeting BS-VI norms continue to be allowed under normal conditions, though some advisory limits or congestion charges may apply.

- Private diesel cars meeting BS-VI emission standards are generally allowed, but diesel vehicles registered as BS-IV or lower face stricter checks and curbs.

- Commercial diesel vehicles (goods and passenger) registered BS-IV or below may face entry bans into Delhi from borders or have time-restricted access.

- Authorities may suspend movement of high-emitting or older vehicles even if they show valid documents, particularly in fringe or hotspot zones.

Penalties, Checks And Enforcement

Enforcement under Stage 3 is strict with significant penalties for non-compliance by vehicles. Some key details for car owners and fleet operators:

- Anyone caught driving prohibited BS-III petrol or BS-IV diesel cars can face tough action under the Motor Vehicles Act.

- Fines of up to Rs 20,000 may apply, and authorities can even impound the vehicle.

- Cars without a valid PUC also risk penalties of up to Rs 10,000, making regular renewal essential.

- Delhi Police and the Transport Department have ramped up on-ground inspections and are using digital monitoring to spot violations. The aim is to tighten enforcement and curb avoidable vehicle movement while pollution levels remain severe.

- Although Stage 4 (which would impose far stricter controls like 50% office remote work, truck bans and full vehicle restrictions) has not been activated, motorists should stay alert for any escalation.

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What This Means For Car Buyers And Drivers

For those driving or planning to buy a car in Delhi-NCR during this season, here are three take-aways:

- Prioritise BS-VI compliant vehicles, especially diesel ones, as older emission classes come under immediate scrutiny.

- Keep your vehicle documentation in order such as valid PUC, insurance and registration are mandatory to avoid heavy fines.

- Consider alternatives like car-pools, public transport or EVs. With air quality at severe levels, policy curbs often target high-emitter movement first.