Delhi is set to tighten restrictions on polluting vehicles from November 1 as part of its winter pollution-control plan. Vehicles registered outside the national capital that do not meet Bharat Stage-VI
(BS-VI) emission standards will be barred from entering the city, subject to specified exemptions.
The restriction will remain in force until January 31, 2027 and is aimed at curbing pollution during Delhi’s winter months, when air quality typically deteriorates. The move could affect commuters travelling into the capital from neighbouring cities such as Noida, Greater Noida, Ghaziabad, Gurugram and Faridabad.
The entry ban is separate from Delhi’s ‘No PUC, No Fuel’ rule, under which vehicles without a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate will not be allowed to refuel at fuel stations in the city from November 1.
Here is everything you need to know about the new rules and whether your vehicle will be allowed into Delhi.
Which Vehicles Will Be Banned From Entering Delhi?
Under the new restriction, vehicles registered outside Delhi that do not meet BS-VI emission standards will be prohibited from entering the capital between November 1, 2026, and January 31, 2027. The rule is particularly relevant for people who commute to Delhi from neighbouring cities in Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. Vehicles registered in these areas will need to meet the applicable emission standards or qualify for an exemption. Delhi-registered vehicles are not covered by this particular entry ban. However, they will still have to comply with other pollution-control rules, including the requirement to carry a valid PUC certificate.
Is Your Car Allowed To Enter Delhi?
This depends on where your vehicle is registered, its emission standard and whether it falls under an exemption. If your vehicle is registered outside Delhi and meets BS-VI standards, it will not be covered by the non-BS-VI entry restriction. If your vehicle is registered outside Delhi and meets an older emission standard, such as BS-III or BS-IV, it could be barred from entering the city during the restriction period unless it qualifies for an exemption. Delhi-registered vehicles are not covered by this specific entry ban, although other applicable restrictions remain in force.
Are Electric And CNG Vehicles Exempt?
Yes. Electric vehicles and CNG vehicles are among the categories exempted from the entry restriction. Vehicles used for essential services are also exempt. The exemptions mean that not every vehicle registered outside Delhi and falling below BS-VI standards will automatically be prohibited from entering the capital. Vehicle owners should check the applicable exemption conditions before travelling.
What Is ‘No PUC, No Fuel’ Rule?
Delhi will also enforce a separate ‘No PUC, No Fuel’ rule from November 1. Under this measure, vehicles without a valid Pollution Under Control certificate will be denied petrol, diesel, CNG or LPG at fuel stations in the city. The requirement applies to vehicles seeking fuel in Delhi and is distinct from the restriction on non-BS-VI vehicles registered outside the capital.
