GRAP III restrictions lifted: Can I now drive my BS4 diesel vehicle in Delhi-NCR?

Yes, you can now drive a BS4 diesel vehicle in Delhi-NCR, subject to specific conditions.

The Commission for Air Quality Management has announced that GRAP Stage III restrictions have been lifted across the Delhi-NCR region after air quality showed sustained improvement. The Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 263 on January 2, placing it in the ‘poor’ category and below the threshold that triggers Stage III curbs.

Now that the restrictions have been withdrawn, BS3 petrol and BS4 diesel vehicles are once again permitted to operate in the region. (AI-generated representational image)

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With Stage III lifted, vehicle-related restrictions that were in force under this stage are no longer applicable.

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When GRAP Stage III was active, a blanket ban was imposed on the operation of BS3 petrol and BS4 diesel vehicles across Delhi-NCR. Only BS4 petrol vehicles and all BS6-compliant vehicles were allowed to operate during this period.

So what changes now with GRAP Stage III lifted?

Now that the restrictions have been withdrawn, BS3 petrol and BS4 diesel vehicles are once again permitted to operate in the region. However, this relaxation comes with conditions.

All vehicles, including BS3 petrol and BS4 diesel, must have a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate. Enforcement agencies will remain active on the ground and are authorised to penalise vehicles that are visibly emitting smoke or found operating without valid emission documentation.

No PUC, no fuel rule still applies

Delhi’s Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa has also clarified that fuel will not be dispensed at petrol pumps in Delhi to any vehicle that does not carry a valid PUC certificate, regardless of its emission norm or registration status.

Separately, the Supreme Court of India recently revised its earlier directions on vehicle-related protections linked to pollution control measures. As per the revised position, protection from blanket restrictions is applicable only to BS4 and newer vehicles. This means BS3 petrol vehicles that are 15 years old or older remain prohibited from operating in Delhi, irrespective of the current GRAP stage.

What this means specifically for BS4 diesel owners

For BS4 diesel vehicle owners, the position is clear: such vehicles are allowed to operate in Delhi-NCR following the lifting of GRAP Stage III, provided they have a valid PUC certificate.

(This question was asked by Riya Verma from Gurugram)