The Centre for Air Quality Management has implemented GRAP Stage 3 in Delhi-NCR after Delhi’s AQI touched 354 on January 16, 2026, with air quality expected to worsen further due to unfavourable weather conditions.
Here’s how the rules apply to different vehicles
If you own a BS4 petrol car, it is allowed to operate in Delhi-NCR during GRAP Stage 3. This applies to both Delhi-registered and outside-Delhi vehicles. However, your car must have a valid Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC). Without a valid PUCC, you are not permitted to drive, and fuel stations will not dispense fuel to your vehicle.
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Under GRAP Stage 3, BS3 petrol and BS4 diesel vehicles are not allowed to ply anywhere in Delhi-NCR. This restriction applies regardless of where the vehicle is registered, Delhi or outside Delhi, and even if the vehicle has a valid PUCC.
{{/usCountry}}Under GRAP Stage 3, BS3 petrol and BS4 diesel vehicles are not allowed to ply anywhere in Delhi-NCR. This restriction applies regardless of where the vehicle is registered, Delhi or outside Delhi, and even if the vehicle has a valid PUCC.
{{/usCountry}}Looking ahead to stricter measures, even if GRAP Stage 4 is imposed, BS4 petrol vehicles are still permitted to operate in Delhi-NCR. That said, there is a key distinction. BS4 petrol vehicles registered outside Delhi will not be allowed to enter Delhi city under Stage 4, though they can continue to operate in the rest of NCR. Only Delhi-registered BS4 petrol vehicles will be allowed to enter and operate within Delhi if Stage 4 comes into force.
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To sum it up, under GRAP Stage 3, BS4 petrol cars can be driven freely in Delhi-NCR and can enter Delhi, provided they have a valid PUCC. BS3 petrol and BS4 diesel vehicles are barred. Irrespective of emission norms, no vehicle will be given fuel without a valid PUCC.