Delhi will begin enforcing fuel restrictions for vehicles without a valid Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC) from Thursday, December 18, as part of stepped-up measures to curb rising air pollution levels in the NCR.
Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa announced that petrol pumps across the capital will not dispense fuel to any vehicle that does not have a valid PUCC. The system will be enforced using AI-enabled cameras and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology installed at fuel stations. According to the minister, vehicle owners have until today to ensure their PUCC is updated before the rule comes into effect.
Check similar Cars
How does an ANPR camera work?
ANPR cameras will scan vehicle number plates in real time as vehicles enter petrol pumps. The system will then cross-check the registration number with government databases such as Vahan and Parivahan to verify the vehicle’s emission compliance and PUCC validity. If the system identifies that a vehicle does not have a valid certificate, fuel supply will be automatically denied.
{{/usCountry}}ANPR cameras will scan vehicle number plates in real time as vehicles enter petrol pumps. The system will then cross-check the registration number with government databases such as Vahan and Parivahan to verify the vehicle’s emission compliance and PUCC validity. If the system identifies that a vehicle does not have a valid certificate, fuel supply will be automatically denied.
{{/usCountry}}Data collected through the system will be used by authorities to identify violations and take enforcement action where required. Alongside the fuel restriction announcement, the minister reiterated that non-BS6 vehicles registered outside Delhi will not be allowed to enter the city from Thursday. This restriction applies to both private and commercial vehicles and is part of the broader measures under the ongoing pollution control framework.
(Also Read: Delhi Pollution Leads To Ban On All BS3, BS4 Cars, Only BS6 Permitted)
The Delhi government has imposed an immediate ban on commercial vehicles carrying construction materials from entering the city. Authorities have warned that any such vehicle found violating the order will face strict penalties and heavy fines.
GRAP stage 4 is already in effect
These steps are being implemented while GRAP Stage IV remains in force in the capital. Under the current restrictions, BS3 petrol and BS4 diesel vehicles are barred from operating in Delhi. Vehicles that comply with BS6 emission norms, along with CNG and electric vehicles, continue to be allowed on city roads. For commercial transport, entry is permitted only for vehicles running on LNG, CNG or electricity, as well as BS6-compliant diesel vehicles.