Delhi GRAP Vehicle Ban From Nov 1: Which Cars Banned, Rs 20,000 Fine & PUCC Rule

Delhi has implemented stricter vehicle entry restrictions under the revised Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) from November 1, 2026. The new rules restrict the entry of non-BS6 vehicles registered outside Delhi, while GRAP Stage 3 restrictions on BS3 petrol and BS4 diesel cars will apply separately once air quality deteriorates further.

The entry ban on non-BS6 vehicles registered outside Delhi will remain in force until January 31, 2027. However, BS6-compliant, CNG, electric and officially exempted vehicles may still enter, provided they have a valid Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC).

What Is GRAP and Why It Matters

GRAP is a set of emergency measures that kick in when air quality in Delhi-NCR deteriorates. The plan has four stages, with restrictions getting stricter as the Air Quality Index (AQI) worsens.

Stage 3 is triggered when AQI crosses 401, while Stage 4 kicks in at AQI 451 and above. Vehicle restrictions are a key part of both stages, aimed at reducing pollution from older, more polluting vehicles.

What’s Banned From November 1?

From November 1, 2026, to January 31, 2027, vehicles registered outside Delhi that do not meet BS-VI emission standards will face entry restrictions. This is especially relevant for commuters travelling from Noida, Gurugram, Ghaziabad and Faridabad.

An estimated 10 lakh-plus vehicles in these neighbouring cities are said to fall short of BS-VI standards, making this a major change for NCR commuters.

The following are also restricted or banned:

• Vehicles below BS-VI emission standards — restricted, subject to exemptions
• Vehicles without valid PUCC — not permitted, even if BS6 compliant
• Interstate diesel buses below BS-VI — not permitted
• Trucks not destined for Delhi — must use Eastern or Western Peripheral Expressway
• Tractors and jugaad vehicles — banned as per applicable norms

Vehicle Restrictions by Fuel Type and BS Model

Important: BS6 compliance does not replace the PUCC requirement. Even BS6 vehicles need a valid Pollution Under Control Certificate to enter Delhi.

GRAP Stage 3: Which 5 NCR Districts Are Covered?

Under GRAP Stage 3, BS3 petrol cars and BS4 diesel cars (Light Motor Vehicles) face restrictions in Delhi and five high-vehicle-density NCR districts.

The five districts are:

1. Gurugram (Haryana)[
2. Faridabad (Haryana)
3. Sonipat (Haryana) — newly added under revised GRAP schedule
4. Ghaziabad (Uttar Pradesh)
5. Gautam Budh Nagar / Noida (Uttar Pradesh)

BS4 petrol cars are not covered by this specific restriction, so they can continue to operate. BS6 petrol and diesel cars are also not affected by this particular rule.

Electric and CNG cars are exempt from the BS3 petrol and BS4 diesel restriction. However, other rules like end-of-life vehicle rules and valid PUC certificate requirements still apply.

GRAP Stage 4 Restrictions Explained

Stage 4 is the strictest level, triggered when AQI crosses 451. At this stage, restrictions become even tighter, with more vehicle categories facing bans.

The exemption for older goods vehicles carrying essential commodities has been removed at Stage 4 as well, meaning even essential supply chains will face restrictions.

Fine Amounts for Violations of Vehicle Ban

Driving a BS3 petrol or BS4 diesel vehicle during GRAP Stage 3 or 4 ban periods can attract a fine of Rs 20,000 under Section 194(1) of the Motor Vehicles Act.

Driving without a valid PUCC also attracts a fine of Rs 10,000. Additionally, vehicles without a valid PUCC will not be allowed to refuel at petrol pumps in Delhi-NCR.

PUCC: How to Check and Renew

You can check the status of your PUC certificate by visiting the official Parivahan website or using the mParivahan mobile app.

Online renewal is not permitted—physical testing at an authorised PUC centre is mandatory.

Note that in Delhi, a PUCC cannot be issued to petrol vehicles older than 15 years or diesel vehicles older than 10 years, as these are classified as End-of-Life (EOL) vehicles.

End-of-Life Vehicle Rules

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has banned all petrol vehicles older than 15 years and diesel vehicles older than 10 years from plying in Delhi-NCR.

These End-of-Life (EOL) vehicles cannot get a valid PUCC and are not permitted to operate in Delhi. Vehicles impounded by enforcement agencies are handed over to Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facilities.

Commuter Rules and Exemptions

Specially adapted vehicles used by persons with disabilities for personal use are exempt from GRAP restrictions.

Vehicles registered in Delhi are not covered by the entry restriction that applies to outside-Delhi registered non-BS6 vehicles. However, they can still face restrictions under GRAP Stage 3 or 4 based on their fuel type and BS model.

Parking Charges Also Doubled

Parking charges at authorised facilities in Delhi are set to double from November 1, 2026, to February 28, 2027, with Delhi Metro parking left out. This is an additional cost commuters should factor in.

What Commuters Should Do

Commuters should check their vehicle’s fuel type and BS model before travelling to Delhi. Those with BS3 petrol or BS4 diesel cars should avoid driving during GRAP Stage 3 or 4 to avoid the Rs 20,000 fine and possible impoundment.

CNG and EV owners can continue to drive without entry restrictions, but should still ensure their vehicles have valid PUCC certificates and comply with other applicable rules.

For assistance, commuters can contact the Delhi Traffic Police helpline at 011-25844444 or 1095, or call 112 for immediate police support.

What Happens Next

The GRAP restrictions will remain in force until January 31, 2027, or until air quality improves significantly. Commuters should stay updated on the latest GRAP stage and plan their travel accordingly.

With winter approaching, air quality in Delhi-NCR is expected to worsen, making it important for commuters to be aware of the rules and plan ahead.

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