Which Cars Are Banned In Delhi? GRAP Stage 3 Fines, Vehicle Restrictions Explained

After AQI levels spiked to 425, Delhi authorities officially activated Stage 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the capital city and neighbouring NCR regions. The GRAP framework is designed to tackle air pollution in the region and is divided into four stages of severity. GRAP Stage 3 restrictions come into place when AQI levels drop into the 'severe' category between 401 to 450. With vehicular restrictions being part of the Stage 3 mandate, here is a quick explainer of what cars are allowed and not allowed in Delhi NCR until AQI levels come under control.

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GRAP Stage 3 Vehicle Restrictions Explained:

⦁ While Delhi had banned older commercial vehicles from November 1 onwards, the Stage 3 restrictions

have now restricted the movement of all BS3 petrol and BS4 diesel cars, two-wheelers and commercial vehicles.

⦁ For private vehicle owners, this means that if they have a petrol vehicle manufactured before 2010 or a diesel vehicle manufactured before March 2020, they should not drive it in Delhi NCR, as a violation could result in fines of up to Rs 20,000.

⦁ The same penalties apply to two-wheeler riders who own a BS3 petrol model manufactured before 2010. Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate is also mandatory for all private vehicle owners and not having a valid PUC could result in an additional fine of up to Rs 10,000.

Which Vehicles Are Allowed To Drive Under GRAP Stage 3?

Apart from BS3 Petrol and BS4 Diesel vehicles, only BS6-compliant (manufactured after 2020) vehicles are allowed to ply on Delhi NCR roads with a valid PUC certificate. Apart from BS6, CNG and fully-electric vehicles also do not face any restriction in movement under GRAP Stage 3.

What's Next?

If GRAP Stage 3 restrictions on older vehicles, non-essential construction activities and shut down of stone crushing and mining operations fail to bring pollution under control. The authorities will activate Stage 4 restrictions under GRAP, which will further restrict diesel-run BS4 buses and commercial vehicles carrying non-essential items. Commercial transport will only be allowed for vehicles running on electric power, CNG or LNG.

Keep reading Times Now Auto for more instant updates on vehicle restrictions and policy changes in Delhi NCR.