E-Paper
I have a BS 4 petrol vehicle. Can I drive it in Delhi NCR under latest GRAP IV measures?
BS4 petrol vehicles registered in Delhi can operate during GRAP IV with a valid PUC, but non-Delhi registered BS4 petrol cars are barred from entering the city.
Delhi is currently under GRAP Stage IV restrictions as air quality levels continue to remain in the “severe” category, with AQI readings frequently crossing 400. As with previous GRAP escalations, vehicular movement is one of the key focus areas under these measures, which has led to confusion among owners of BS3, BS4 and even BS6 vehicles.
Here’s how the rules apply specifically to BS4 petrol vehicles
Under GRAP Stage IV, BS3 petrol and BS4 diesel vehicles are barred from operating in the National Capital Region. This restriction applies not just within Delhi, but across the entire NCR, including adjoining districts in Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan.
However, BS4 petrol vehicles are treated differently
As per the core GRAP IV guidelines, BS4 petrol vehicles are allowed to operate in Delhi and NCR, provided they carry a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate. There is no blanket ban on BS4 petrol vehicles registered in Delhi under GRAP Stage IV.
(Also Read: As Delhi Chokes on Pollution, Tesla Shows How the Model Y Keeps Bad Air Out)
The confusion has largely stemmed from an additional announcement made recently by Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa. Under this clarification, non-Delhi registered vehicles that are below BS6 emission standards are not permitted to enter Delhi during GRAP Stage IV.
This restriction applies to:
- BS3 petrol vehicles registered outside Delhi
- BS4 diesel vehicles registered outside Delhi
- BS4 petrol vehicles registered outside Delhi
In simple terms, if your BS4 petrol car is registered outside Delhi, it cannot enter the city while GRAP Stage IV is in effect, regardless of whether it has a valid PUC certificate.
On the other hand, BS4 petrol vehicles that are registered in Delhi are allowed to operate within the city, travel across the NCR, and re-enter Delhi, as long as they have a valid PUC certificate. There is no restriction on their movement under the current rules.
(Also Read: Delhi Pollution Curbs Explained: Which Vehicles Are Allowed to Enter the City)
To summarise
If you own a BS4 petrol vehicle registered in Delhi, you can continue driving it in Delhi NCR during GRAP Stage IV, provided your PUC is valid. If the same vehicle is registered outside Delhi, it is not permitted to enter the city for now.
Given that enforcement is strict and penalties are significant, vehicle owners are advised to double-check registration details and ensure compliance before travelling.
