Delhi Fuel Ban – AI Cameras Block Old Cars at 350 Pumps

Bijesh Nagesh

02 Jul 2025, 10:32 AM

  • From July 1, petrol cars over 15 years and diesel cars over 10 years are turned away at 350 Delhi pumps.
  • AI-powered ANPR cameras link to the VAHAN database, sound alerts, and help traffic teams impound end-of-life vehicles.

Delhi Fuel Ban – AI Cameras Block Old Cars at 350 Pumps

Delhi’s fuel ban for ageing cars went live on July 1. Any petrol vehicle older than 15 years or diesel model past 10 years will be refused fuel.

AI cameras at 350 petrol pumps scan licence plates in milliseconds, check vehicle age in VAHAN, and warn station staff. Once flagged, transport and traffic police teams step in to stop and seize banned cars.

This bold step aims to tackle Delhi’s air pollution by cutting soot-making engines off at the pump.

Delhi Fuel Ban: Who Is Affected?

Every car in Delhi, no matter where it’s registered, must meet the age limits detailed below or face fuel refusal:
Signs reading “No Fuel for Old Vehicles” are up at every pump. Any attempt to fill up by an end-of-life car triggers an on-spot challan or seizure.

Delhi Fuel Ban Update: How AI Cameras Work?

Artificial intelligence makes quick work of old-car spotting: 

  • ANPR cameras capture plate images in under 0.5 seconds. 
  • Live link to the VAHAN database checks fuel type, registration date, and last fitness test. 
  • A 120 dB hooter alerts pump staff the instant a banned vehicle arrives. 
  • Staff use a simple dashboard to view flagged plates and call enforcement teams.
* Covers cameras, hooters, wiring, installation, and basic staff training.

Delhi Fuel Ban: Enforcement Teams Detailed

Delhi has carved up 350 pumps among special teams for full coverage:
Teams work three shifts (6 am–2 pm, 2 pm–10 pm, 10 pm–6 am) for around-the-clock enforcement.

Delhi Fuel Ban: Impact on Car Owners

An estimated 62 Lakh old vehicles in Delhi now face fuel denial. Nearby states add another 46 Lakh units.

  • Fines: Rs. 10,000 for four-wheelers; Rs. 5,000 for two-wheelers.
  • PUC certificates do not override age limits.
  • Seized cars go for scrapping at authorised centres under Central Motor Vehicles rules.

Owners can use our Fuel Calculator to estimate monthly running costs and conversion payback periods.

Delhi Fuel Ban: Regional Rollout & Future Phases Explored

Delhi’s ban is Phase 1 of a larger anti-pollution drive across NCR: 

  1. Phase 2 (from Nov 1, 2025): Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, Gautam Buddh Nagar, Sonipat 
  2. Phase 3 (from Apr 1, 2026): Rest of NCR, including Rewari and Jhajjar 

By 2026, the Commission for Air Quality Management may extend a similar fuel ban to all major Indian metros. 

Delhi Fuel Ban: System Specs at a Glance

This implementation keeps accuracy high and downtime low:
A robust setup like this meets Delhi’s strict air-quality targets and ensures transparency.

Delhi Fuel Ban: Public and Industry Response to Policy

Station managers report easy setup and clear alerts for staff. Drivers say they welcome cleaner air but want more pump-entry notices. Experts call for the ban to roll out nationwide to stop run-around refuelling. 

  • Commuters ask for SMS alerts if their car nears the age cutoff. 
  • Dealers note a spike in BS VI model sales and CNG kit inquiries. 
  • Pollution control bodies hail the move as a needed push to retire dirty engines. 

Delhi’s use of AI-driven ANPR cameras, backed by traffic teams, marks a bold model for other cities fighting vehicle pollution. 

Find Your Nearest Fuel Station

Locate CarOnPhone Fuel Stations across Delhi to see which pumps are compliant and equipped with AI-assisted checks.

Estimate Your Fuel Expenses

Use the CarOnPhone Fuel Calculator to plan your budget, compare petrol, diesel, and CNG costs, and explore conversion vs. replacement scenarios.

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