Published : 23 October 2026
Read Time : 5 min
Author: Nikil Jonathan
Delhi will restrict the entry of vehicles registered outside the city that do not meet BS6 emission standards from November 1, 2026, to January 31, 2027. The move is part of the national capital’s winter pollution control plan, aimed at reducing vehicle emissions during the months when air quality usually deteriorates.

The restriction has specified exemptions, including electric and CNG vehicles and emergency vehicles. Delhi’s wider winter plan also includes a ‘No PUC, No Fuel’ rule and higher parking fees.
Additionally, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has also revised the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) for Delhi-NCR. The plan introduces additional restrictions as air pollution worsens, including curbs on older vehicles and certain commercial vehicles.
From November 1, vehicles registered outside Delhi that do not meet BS6 emission standards will not be allowed to ply in the city until January 31, 2027. However, a non-BS6 car registered outside Delhi can still enter during the restriction period if it runs on CNG or electricity. Vehicles registered in Delhi are not covered by this particular entry restriction.
The rule is separate from the restrictions on commercial goods vehicles and buses imposed under other CAQM directions.
Delhi will also enforce a ‘No PUC, No Fuel’ policy at fuel pumps. Vehicles without a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate will not be supplied petrol, diesel, CNG or LPG.
The rule is intended to encourage vehicle owners to keep their vehicles within prescribed emission limits and maintain valid pollution certificates.
GRAP is an emergency plan that introduces additional pollution-control measures as Delhi’s air quality deteriorates. It is separate from the Delhi winter plan that restricts non-BS6 vehicles from entering the capital. GRAP has 4 stages that can be invoked based on the Air Quality Index (AQI). It’s important to note that measures under earlier stages of GRAP continue when a more severe stage is activated.
Authorities must tighten PUC checks, take action against visibly polluting vehicles and enforce existing restrictions on petrol and diesel vehicles above the ages of 15 and 10 years, respectively.
The plan also requires better traffic management at congested roads and intersections to help traffic move more smoothly.
Inter-city and inter-state buses entering Delhi-NCR must use electric, CNG or BS6 diesel powertrains.
Authorities can increase parking fees to discourage private vehicle use. Public offices and municipal bodies in Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad and Gautam Buddha Nagar must also stagger their working hours.
The plan encourages people to use public transport and reduce the use of private vehicles.
Restrictions on older passenger vehicles become stricter. Authorities must restrict the use of BS3 petrol and BS4 diesel 4-wheelers in Delhi and the high-vehicle-density districts of Gurugram, Faridabad, Sonipat, Ghaziabad and Gautam Buddha Nagar.
The plan also calls for restrictions on older diesel goods vehicles. Diesel BS4 and older medium and light goods vehicles registered outside Delhi will not be allowed to enter the capital under the specified provisions.
Vehicles specifically adapted for people with disabilities and used for their personal transport are exempt from the relevant passenger-vehicle restriction.
The entry of heavy goods vehicles into Delhi will be stopped, with exceptions for LNG, CNG, electric and BS6 diesel trucks. The plan also calls for restrictions on Delhi-registered BS4 and older diesel heavy goods vehicles.
State governments may consider additional emergency measures, including an odd-even vehicle scheme, depending on the situation.
Car owners travelling in Delhi-NCR should keep the following points in mind:
Note: The restrictions under the winter plan and GRAP are not identical. The winter entry rule runs from November 1, 2026 to January 31, 2027 while GRAP restrictions depend on the prevailing and forecast air quality.
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Content Writer
Nikil's a huge fan of classic cars, especially Italian beauties such as the Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint and the Iso Grifo. His love for cars and bikes originated when he first laid his eyes on a poster of the Ferrari F40 and the MV Agusta F4 when he was just a child. He also loves all things analogue, especially vintage cameras and turntables.

























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