Delhi's Crackdown On Overage Vehicles: Aim For Cleaner Air

Published: Friday, June 21, 2024, 15:00 [IST]

Driving a car older than the legal age limit in Delhi is illegal and incurs heavy fines. Even if these vehicles are parked in public spaces (not being driven), owners will face penalties. The Delhi government has warned that such vehicles will be impounded.

In February, guidelines were issued stating that any vehicle older than 15 years found in public spaces or outside homes will be confiscated. A recent notice from the Press Trust of India (PTI) reinforces this warning.

Parking Restrictions and Enforcement

The notice specifies that overage vehicles should be kept in private parking spaces owned by the individual. Shared parking spaces, even within residential complexes, are not considered private. "A parking space allotted to the owner within a residential complex is considered private," it stated.

The Delhi government has de-registered around 5.5 million vehicles so far. However, it is believed that millions more are either still being driven or parked in public areas.

The enforcement wing of the transport department under New Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC) or Delhi Traffic Police officials are authorised to impound these vehicles.

Age Limits for Vehicles

In Delhi, diesel-powered vehicles cannot be older than 10 years, while petrol/CNG vehicles have a 15-year limit. This rule was established following a 2018 Supreme Court ruling aimed at reducing air pollution. Older vehicles are generally believed to emit more pollutants.

The rule also aims to encourage new-vehicle purchases by offering incentives for those switching from older vehicles. Parking overage vehicles in public spaces was prohibited by a 2014 order from the National Green Tribunal.

Options for Overage Vehicle Owners

If you own an overage vehicle in Delhi, you can apply for a No Objection Certificate (NOC). However, the vehicle must be moved out of Delhi within a year of its expiry date. No NOC will be issued after this date.

Another option is to scrap the vehicle through the Voluntary Vehicle Scrapping Application on the government's Parivahan website. There may be incentives available under this scheme if you purchase a new vehicle afterward.

DriveSpark Thinks

The Delhi government's crackdown on overage vehicles is a multi-pronged approach to tackling air pollution. Scrapping old vehicles, restrictions on parking, and incentives for new car purchases all work together to create cleaner air for Delhi residents.

While it may cause inconvenience for some owners, the long-term benefits for public health and environmental sustainability make this policy a necessary step towards a greener future for the capital city.