Do you know how old your car is? If not, it’s time to check your RC (Registration Certificate) now — or you could face a big problem soon.
A high-tech system is being launched that will scan your number plate and automatically tell petrol pumps how old your vehicle is. If it’s older than what the law allows, you won’t get any petrol or diesel.
This system is already being rolled out in Delhi from July 1, and it’s expanding to more cities soon.
Don’t Drive 10-Year-Old Diesel Cars from July 1
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has announced that a new Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) camera system is going live.
These cameras are being installed at petrol pumps across Delhi to identify End-of-Life (EoL) vehicles — cars that have crossed their legal age limit.
Once the system flags your vehicle as too old, the fuel station will refuse to fill your tank. Imagine this happening while you’re on a long drive — you could be stuck without fuel.
What’s the Age Limit for Your Car?
Diesel cars: Can be driven only up to 10 years
Petrol cars: Can be driven only up to 15 years
After that, these vehicles are officially classified as End-of-Life (EoL) and banned from use.
So, if your diesel vehicle is over 10 years old, it’s already illegal to drive it. For petrol cars, the limit is 15 years.
This strict step has been taken to reduce pollution and improve air quality.
Where Will This Rule Apply?
It’s not just Delhi. From November 1, the same rule will also apply in:
Gurugram
Faridabad
Ghaziabad
Gautam Buddha Nagar (Noida)
Sonipat
Eventually, from April 1, 2026, the rule will be implemented across the entire NCR (National Capital Region).
How Does the System Work?
Over 500 petrol pumps in Delhi have been equipped with ANPR cameras.
These cameras scan number plates and check the vehicle’s age in real time.
If flagged as EoL, the fuel nozzle won’t be activated.
So far, the system has already screened over 3.63 crore vehicles, and about 4.90 lakh of them have been identified as older than the legal limit.
What You Should Do Now
Check your RC today to know the age of your car.
If your vehicle is nearing the age limit, start planning for a replacement.
Avoid taking old diesel or petrol vehicles on long trips in NCR after these dates.
Spread the word — many are still unaware of this new rule!
With this move, authorities aim to make the roads cleaner and less congested — but it’s up to you to avoid getting caught off guard.
Let me know if you want a checklist or a step-by-step guide to check your vehicle age online.
