Buying or owning an old car in Delhi NCR? You need to understand the 15-year vehicle ban imposed by the RTO — or risk losing your investment.
In this blog, we’ll break down the RTO rules, how it affects petrol and diesel vehicles, and what you can do about your car’s validity.
📅 What Is the 15-Year Vehicle Ban?
As per RTO (Regional Transport Office) and National Green Tribunal (NGT) guidelines:
🚗 Petrol cars: Banned after 15 years
🚛 Diesel cars: Banned after 10 years
⚠️ These bans are strictly enforced in Delhi NCR, especially in Delhi city limits and nearby regions like Ghaziabad, Faridabad, Noida, and Gurugram.
📍 Where Are These Rules Enforced?
| Region | Petrol Car Validity | Diesel Car Validity |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi (NCT) | 15 years | 10 years |
| Noida, Ghaziabad | 15 years | 10 years |
| Gurugram, Faridabad | 15 years | 10 years |
| Other Indian States | May allow RC renewal after 15 years | Depends on local RTO |
🔍 How to Check Your Car’s Validity?
Use our free Car Expiry Calculator to instantly find out:
Your vehicle’s expiry year
Whether it’s still legally allowed on road
If you should renew, sell, or scrap the car
🔁 Can You Renew an Expired Car’s RC in Delhi?
No. Once your car crosses its validity limit:
Delhi RTO will not renew its Registration Certificate (RC)
You cannot legally drive or resell it
If found on road, your car may be impounded or scrapped
🔄 What Can You Do With an Expired Vehicle?
✅ 1. Sell it outside Delhi NCR
Some states still allow re-registration. But be transparent with the buyer.
♻️ 2. Scrap it officially
Get scrap certificate + bonus from companies like Cars24 or Maruti Suzuki Scrap Facilities
🚚 3. Convert it to Electric (EV)
New RTO policies allow retrofitting of old cars with electric kits (limited and costly but growing)
🧠 FAQ: Common Questions Answered
❓ Can I keep driving my 16-year-old petrol car in Delhi?
No, even if it’s in perfect condition. RTO won’t allow RC renewal.
❓ Can I drive an old car from Haryana into Delhi?
No — even out-of-state vehicles older than 10/15 years are banned inside Delhi NCR limits.
❓ Can I still sell my old car online?
Yes, but only outside NCR, or to verified scrap dealers.
💡 Pro Tip: Know Before You Buy
Thinking of buying a second-hand car?
✅ Always check the registration year
✅ Avoid cars nearing 10 years (diesel) or 15 years (petrol)
✅ Use our Car Expiry Calculator before making a deal
🏁 Final Thoughts
The 15-year vehicle ban in Delhi NCR is here to stay — and enforced strictly. Whether you’re a buyer or seller, staying informed will help you:
Avoid fines
Save money
Make smarter decisions
✅ Bookmark this page and share with anyone considering buying an old car.