Delhi’s ELV (End-of-Life Vehicle) policy has been one of the most talked-about regulations in recent years. Many owners of older petrol and diesel vehicles have been asking: Is the ban over? Have rules relaxed or been revoked? Here’s what the latest updates show.
🔍 What Is the ELV Policy?
Under Delhi’s existing rule, petrol vehicles older than 15 years and diesel vehicles older than 10 years are considered “end-of-life.”
As per this policy, such vehicles are not permitted to refuel at fuel stations, and enforcement includes ANPR scanning, fuel refusal, fines, or impoundment.
These norms stem from orders by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) (2015) and were upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018.
🛑 Has the ELV Policy Ended?
Short answer: No. The ELV policy has not ended. It remains in place, though its enforcement timeline has been modified and operations delayed in certain respects due to various challenges.
Here’s what’s clear from recent developments:
Fuel Ban on Over-Age Vehicles Is Still Intact
Delhi government along with the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) continues to enforce the ban on refuelling of over-age petrol/diesel vehicles. This is not relaxed or revoked. Business Today+2Business Standard+2New Implementation Dates / Postponements
Originally, the no-fuel rule was supposed to take effect in Delhi from July 1, 2025. Business Today+2The Economic Times+2
But due to implementation gaps (technological, logistical, enforcement capacity), the enforcement date for Delhi and five high-vehicle-density districts in NCR has been aligned to November 1, 2025. The rest of NCR is expected to follow from April 1, 2026. The Times of India+2Business Standard+2
Fact-Checks Against Claims of Revival or Revocation
There are no credible notifications or orders that have officially revoked or ended the ELV policy.
Some reports or rumors claimed that the ban was withdrawn, but they have been debunked by ministries and official sources. The Times of India+1
⚠️ What This Means for Vehicle Owners
Because the ban is not ended, vehicle owners need to stay alert. Here are the implications:
If your car is over the age limit (petrol > 15 years or diesel > 10 years) in Delhi-NCR, you could soon face fuel denial, fines, or impoundment if it’s driven or used publicly.
Even if your vehicle seems compliant now, the upcoming enforcement dates (Nov 1, 2025 for many districts) are coming up. Delay in readiness could lead to problems.
Owners should check their vehicle’s registration date, condition, and fitness status — using tools like Car Expiry Calculator or via VAHAN / Parivahan portals — to know where they stand.
✅ What You Should Do Now
To stay ahead and avoid trouble:
Check Your Vehicle Age & RC Validity
Use your registration date to see if your vehicle is approaching or beyond the threshold.Ensure Valid Pollution & Fitness Certificates
Even over-age vehicles may be scrutinized in terms of emissions, mechanical fitness, etc.Plan for Alternatives
If your vehicle is over the age limit, consider selling it, transferring registration to a state with different rules (if allowed), or scrapping via licensed facility.Stay Updated with Official Notifications
Changes might come through orders from CAQM, Supreme Court, or the Delhi government. Be wary of rumors or unverified social media posts.
📌 Conclusion
The End-of-Life Vehicle policy in Delhi-NCR has not ended.
Enforcement has been delayed in some areas, and there are revised timelines for certain districts.
Owners of older vehicles still need to plan for compliance.