Govt to impound end-of-life vehicles in Delhi

The Government of NCT of Delhi has announced strict action against end-of-life vehicles (ELVs) operating or parked in public places across the capital. As per a public notice issued by the Transport Department, ELVs – defined as diesel vehicles older than 10 years and petrol vehicles older than 15 years, and falling under BS-III or below emission norms – will be impounded and scrapped without further notice, in line with existing court orders and pollution-control rules.

1. Applies to BS-III or below norm vehicles found parked or driven in public areas

2. Transfer outside NCR requires a valid No Objection Certificate (NOC)

3. No exemptions based on vehicle condition or usage history

Under the policy, diesel vehicles older than 10 years and petrol vehicles older than 15 years are classified as end-of-life vehicles. The impounding and scrapping action applies to such ELVs that meet BS-III and below emission norms.

What qualifies as an end-of-life vehicle

The notice reiterates that vehicles exceeding the prescribed age limits – diesel vehicles older than 10 years and petrol vehicles older than 15 years, which fall under BS-III or below emission norms, will not be permitted to ply on roads or remain parked in public spaces within the city.

Authorities have clarified that enforcement will not be limited to moving vehicles. ELVs found parked on roads, in markets or other public areas will also be impounded.

Impounding and scrappage to be immediate

According to the Transport Department, such ELVs detected within Delhi will be seized and sent directly for scrappage, without issuing individual notices to owners. The aim is to reduce vehicular pollution in the capital, which remains one of the most affected cities in terms of air quality.

Option to transfer vehicles outside NCR

Owners who wish to retain or sell their BS-III or older vehicles have been advised to obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to transfer them outside the National Capital Region. The crackdown follows earlier directives from courts and pollution authorities and signals a renewed push to remove ageing, older-emission norm vehicles from the city’s roads.

The order makes no distinction between poorly maintained vehicles and well-kept examples.