Delhi tightens ELV norms: BS-III and older vehicles face direct scrappage

New Delhi: The Delhi Transport Department has issued fresh directions to curb vehicular pollution in the capital, directing enforcement agencies to seize diesel vehicles older than 10 years and petrol vehicles older than 15 years if found operating or parked in public spaces.

Under the latest directive, such vehicles will be classified as End-of-Life Vehicles (ELVs) and sent directly to authorised scrappage facilities without prior notice to owners.

Strict action against overage vehicles in Delhi

According to officials, ELVs, particularly those falling under BS-III or older emission norms, will face strict enforcement under existing pollution control laws.

The department clarified that vehicle age and emission category alone determine ELV status, and occasional or infrequent usage does not exempt owners from action.

The drive will apply not only to vehicles caught in motion but also to those parked in public areas, including market spaces, residential streets and roadside locations. Once identified, overage vehicles will be seized on the spot and transported to designated scrapping centres.

Officials emphasised that the initiative is aimed at reducing vehicle emissions, a major contributor to Delhi’s persistent air pollution crisis. No show-cause notices or leniency measures will be issued.

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NOC mandatory to transfer ELVs outside Delhi-NCR

Vehicle owners who wish to retain their end-of-life vehicles must obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to transfer them outside the National Capital Region, where different motor vehicle regulations may apply.

Without a valid NOC, ELVs cannot be legally moved out of Delhi and remain liable for immediate seizure if found within city limits.

The enforcement drive forms part of broader efforts by the Delhi government to improve air quality in the national capital, which continues to record some of the highest pollution levels in India.

How to save your end-of-life vehicle in Delhi

The only legal option available to owners of diesel vehicles older than 10 years and petrol vehicles older than 15 years is to secure an NOC and transfer the vehicle to another state outside the NCR.

Within Delhi, the rules remain absolute: ELVs found plying or parked in public areas will be impounded and scrapped without exception.