Top 10 Iconic Cars That Can’t Be Driven in Delhi Anymore

In a decisive effort to tackle record air‑pollution, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) ruled that, starting July 1, 2025, petrol vehicles older than 15 years and diesel vehicles older than 10 years would be denied fuel at Delhi pumps, thanks to AI‑powered ANPR cameras, effectively outlawing their use on city roads. Though the Delhi government rolled back enforcement on July 4 amid technical and social backlash, the rule still looms and similar bans are set for November 1, 2025 in parts of NCR.re set to roll out in NCR cities starting November 1, 2025.



1. First‑Gen Toyota Fortuner (2009–2015)

That sturdy 3.0‑L diesel SUV that conquered rough trails now crosses the 10‑year mark and can’t be fuelled in the capital.

2. Mitsubishi Pajero SFX

The off‑road legend and frequent rallyer, discontinued circa 2012–13 diesel engines of that era now fall afoul of the ban.

3. Honda Accord V6

A petrol luxury sleeper with smooth 3.0‑L performance. Since production ended before 2013, most models now breach the 15‑year limit .

4. Skoda Superb (PQ46, ~2009–2015)

Executive-level comfort and diesel power; early models from 2009 are now too old to fuel up in Delhi.

5. Skoda Laura

Sporty sedan available in 1.8 TSI and 2.0 TDI. Its 2013 discontinuation means these are now officially banned from refuelling .

6. Volkswagen Polo Cross

Diesel variants of this rugged Polo were discontinued around 2016 many have now hit the 10‑year diesel ceiling.

7. Ford Fiesta

Launched as a driver’s delight, the diesel Fiesta ended production in 2014, so they too cannot refuel in Delhi .

8. Maruti SX4

Once a premium compact sedan with diesel and petrol trims, phased out by 2014 today it’s fuel-forbidden .

9. Tata Safari Dicor

Loved for its rugged ladder‑frame feel, Dicor variants were discontinued in 2014 diesel units over 10 years now banned.

10. Hyundai Santa Fe

Premium SUV sold until 2017. Early diesel models (2007–2015) are now too old or soon will be for Delhi roads.

The ban is straightforward: 10 years for diesel, 15 for petrol, regardless of actual emissions or maintenance history. This age‑based rule was prescribed by the NGT in 2015, upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018, and implemented via the CAQM directive this year.

The policy was enforced at ~350 fuel stations with AI‑cameras and hooters from July 1 . On day one, 80 vehicles were impounded; enforcement dropped sharply afterwards due to technical glitches and coordination issues .

However, faulty ANPR scans, mismatches in vehicle databases, and lack of unified NCR rollout pushed Delhi’s government to pause enforcement on July 4, citing “technological and complex-system issues”. Public uproar—especially from well-maintained older car owners—also played a big role.

The November 1 extension includes Delhi's suburbs in NCR—Gurgaon, Ghaziabad, Faridabad, etc.—with all those zones enforcing fuel denial to aged vehicles.

Scrapping guidelines mandate impounded vehicles go to authorized centres; CNG vehicles are currently exempt .

Delhi’s government is urging CAQM to re‑evaluate, with calls for fitness-based norms over pure age limits .

Car lovers were hit hard. One man shared on social media:

My family’s 16‑year‑old Mercedes E280 V6… still cleaner than most modern cars… now reduced to vintage scrap.

Another driver lamented, “Single most stupid rule”—arguing that even well-maintained older cars shouldn’t face blanket bans just based on age .

For owners of affected vehicles, options include:

• Relocate to NCR suburbs to refuel where bans don’t yet apply.
• Obtain NOC and transfer vehicle out of Delhi jurisdiction.
• Scrap at authorized facilities under the registered scrappage policy.
• Retrofit with electric conversion kits—only if approved and the vehicle is otherwise fit.

Though temporarily halted, policy experts expect renewed enforcement by November 2025, with expanding restrictions into the wider NCR by April 2026. Delhi is also pushing for clean-energy transitions—restricting fossil fuel bike sales by 2027 and capping petrol-car ownership—aiming for 30% EV share by 2030.

These ten cars symbolize more than transportation—they represent eras when diesel SUVs and sporty sedans thrilled enthusiasts in Delhi's streets. Now, under sweeping fuel-age rules, even well-maintained classics face forced obsolescence. With enforcement paused but coming soon to sharper focus, owners have a short window for choices: relocate, scrap, convert—or lose their ride forever.

Whether justified as a pollution-remedy or criticized as ill-timed, the new rules highlight the growing conflict between heritage and environmental urgency on India's roads.

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Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Why are older cars banned from refuelling in Delhi?The ban aims to reduce pollution by targeting diesel vehicles over 10 years old and petrol vehicles over 15, based on NGT guidelines.
2. Can I still drive these cars in NCR outside Delhi?For now, yes. However, the same restrictions are set to roll out in NCR cities starting November 1, 2025.