The new RTO rules in Delhi differ slightly from those in the rest of the country. For any vehicle to operate on public roads in Delhi, it is mandatory to adhere to all rules and regulations established by the Delhi Transport Department.
To operate any vehicle on public roads in Delhi, it is mandatory to strictly adhere to the new RTO rules; failure to do so will result in consequences. Ensure that you read this article in its entirety so that you do not miss any important details regarding Delhi’s new RTO rules.
New RTO rules in Delhi
Just like in other states, operating a vehicle on public roads in Delhi requires registration with the RTO (Regional Transport Office), and strict adherence to all traffic regulations is mandatory.
Furthermore, a driver must ensure that they possess all necessary documents, which include the Registration Certificate, Pollution Under Control (PUC) Certificate, Third-Party Insurance, and Driving Licence. For commercial vehicles, two additional documents are required: a permit and a fitness certificate.
Since Delhi is a capital city, vehicles from across the country enter it; consequently, its environment is significantly impacted. The Delhi Transport Department has formulated certain regulations aimed at curbing air pollution within the state.
We have discussed the relevant RTO rules in this regard below; please read and understand them, and ensure strict compliance.
Ban On Vehicle
- In Delhi, the operation of diesel vehicles older than 10 years and petrol vehicles older than 15 years on public roads is strictly prohibited, which comes below emission standards of BS4, as their significantly high carbon emissions contribute to further air pollution within the state.
- These 10-year-old diesel and 15-year-old petrol vehicles are classified as End-of-Life Vehicles (ELVs). If your vehicle has reached this age and you operate it within Delhi, it will be impounded and sent directly for scrapping without any prior notice. Furthermore, you may be liable to pay a fine of ₹10,000, in addition to towing charges.
No Fuel For ELVs
- The Delhi Transport Department has issued strict directives to all petrol pump operators in Delhi, prohibiting the dispensing of petrol or diesel to any End-of-Life Vehicles (ELVs).
- If you own a diesel vehicle that is over 10 years old or a petrol vehicle that is over 15 years old, you will be denied fuel; furthermore, if you are found driving such a vehicle on public roads in violation of these regulations, it is certain to be scrapped.
No PUC Certificate, No Fuel
- According to new rules notified by the Delhi Transport Department, all petrol pumps must now ensure that they dispense fuel only to vehicles possessing a valid ‘Pollution Under Control’ (PUC) certificate.
- If you do not have a valid PUC certificate, even if your vehicle complies with all other regulations, you will be denied petrol or diesel; furthermore, you could face a heavy penalty if caught during a roadside inspection.
Ban on Non-BS-VI Vehicles During Severe Pollution
- Under the GRAP Stage-IV pollution emergency, the Delhi Transport Department possesses the authority to ban all vehicles with emission standards lower than BS6 from plying on public roads within Delhi.
- If you are found driving such a vehicle during this pollution emergency, you will face a substantial fine under the Environment (Protection) Act, and your vehicle may also be impounded.
- Furthermore, vehicles attempting to enter Delhi from outside the city that do not meet BS6 emission standards will be denied entry and stopped at the border.
Supreme Court-Approved Green Fee for Vehicles Entering Delhi
- Effective April 2026, in accordance with a Supreme Court order, any vehicle entering Delhi from outside the city will be subject to an environmental compensation charge, set at ₹2,000 for light motor vehicles and ₹4,000 for trucks.
- If a driver refuses to pay the Green Fee upon entering Delhi, the vehicle will be denied entry, and a fine may also be imposed.
Seizure of Over-Age Vehicles Parked in Public Places
- In Delhi, parking and abandoning end-of-life vehicles on any public road or space is strictly prohibited. If such an over-aged vehicle is discovered, it will be impounded.
- If you own a vehicle that has exceeded its prescribed age limit and have left it parked unattended in a public place, you may face a penalty of ₹10,000 for a four-wheeler or ₹5,000 for a two-wheeler; additionally, you will also be liable for towing charges.
No New Petrol or Diesel Commercial Fleet Vehicles
- Effective January 1, 2026, no fleet vehicle in Delhi intended for commercial use may be powered by petrol or diesel. Only electric and CNG vehicles are permitted for this purpose.
- If a vehicle is registered on or after January 01, 2026, as a fleet vehicle and is powered by petrol or diesel, its registration will be unequivocally rejected by the concerned transport office.
The Delhi Transport Department frequently introduces minor amendments to the regulations governing the operation of vehicles on public roads, with the aim of ensuring that Delhi’s environment remains as unpolluted as possible.
To stay abreast of the latest regulations, it is essential that you regularly monitor the Delhi Transport Department’s social media handles. Furthermore, as we will continue to share all upcoming updates with you right here in this article, it would be prudent for you to bookmark this webpage for future reference.
