The Delhi government announced to ban all non-BS-VI vehicles from entering Delhi from Thursday (December 18). Commuters found violating the rules will
be fined hefty amounts as pollution levels surge in the national capital. This comes as the government has imposed GRAP Stage 4 as the Air Quality Index (AQI) crossed the 400 mark, putting Delhi's air in the "severe" category. With the AQI exceeding hazardous levels, several vehicle restrictions are in place to curb emissions and improve air quality. Under Stage 4, specific classes of older petrol and diesel vehicles are banned from operating in the National Capital Region (NCR) unless used for essential services.
Here's How Much You’ll Be Fined
If someone is caught breaking the vehicle ban rule, they would be fined up to Rs 20,000.
Violations can attract fines of up to Rs 20,000, and authorities are empowered to impound vehicles that break the rules.
Vehicles without a valid PUC certificate may be fined up to Rs 10,000, making timely renewal crucial.
Moreover, the Delhi police and transport department have also tightened on-ground enforcement and are using digital monitoring tools to identify violators and limit non-essential vehicle movement as pollution levels surge.
Which All Vehicles Are Banned?
Under GRAP Stage 4, BS-3 petrol and BS-4 diesel vehicles are banned from plying in Delhi-NCR, except when used for essential services. This ban includes private cars, two-wheelers, and commercial vehicles that do not meet the latest Bharat Stage emission standards.
Vehicles that comply with BS-6 norms, as well as CNG and electric vehicles, are permitted to operate within the region without restrictions.
Also Read: Better, Still ‘Very Poor’: Foggy, Chilly Delhi Records AQI 329; Check Flight Status
Vehicle Ban Sparks Anxiety Among NCR Residents
Lakhs of commuters who come to Delhi from Noida, Ghaziabad and Gurugram have objected to the move, calling it unrealistic. Being a key part of the National Capital Region, people from neighbouring cities rely heavily on Delhi for work and family needs.
Manoj Kumar from Gurgaon's Sector 50 said the order makes little sense because Delhi and its neighbouring cities function as one large urban area. He pointed out that lakhs of people depend on daily travel between these cities and Delhi, and the ban will disrupt normal life, according to a TOI report.
Subhangi Sharma from Sector 40 agreed, saying the government relies too much on short-term measures. She believes officials focus on vehicle bans instead of dealing with deeper causes of pollution.
