The Government of NCT of Delhi has announced strict enforcement 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, vehicles that fall under the ELV category will be impounded and scrapped without further notice, in line with existing court orders and pollution-control rules.
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Applies to BS-III and older vehicles found parked or driven in public areas
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Transfer outside NCR requires a valid No Objection Certificate (NOC)
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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 action also covers vehicles that meet BS-III and older emission norms.
What qualifies as an end-of-life vehicle
The notice reiterates that any BS-III or older vehicle, or any petrol/diesel vehicle that has crossed the prescribed age limit, is considered an ELV in Delhi. Such vehicles are not permitted to ply on roads or remain parked in public spaces within the city.
Authorities have made it clear that enforcement will not be limited to moving vehicles. ELVs found parked on roads, markets or other public areas will also be impounded.
Impounding and scrappage to be immediate
According to the Transport Department, 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.
The department has warned that owners should not assume leniency based on limited usage or occasional driving, as enforcement teams will act wherever ELVs are found.
Option to transfer vehicles outside NCR
Owners who wish to retain their vehicles have been advised to obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to transfer them outside the National Capital Region, where local regulations may differ. Without an NOC, ELVs will not be allowed to be moved out of Delhi.
The order makes no distinction between poorly maintained vehicles and well-kept examples.
The crackdown follows earlier directives from courts and pollution authorities and signals a renewed push to remove ageing, high-emission vehicles from the city’s roads.
