India is tightening its grip on old and polluting vehicles. In 2025, a major regulatory shift will come into force as several states gear up to ban 15-year-old vehicles from the roads. This move is part of a broader campaign to curb air pollution, streamline traffic safety, and promote a shift toward greener transport options.
If you own a vehicle that’s hitting the 15-year mark, especially in urban areas, it’s time to understand what’s changing. Below, we cover the full list of 15-Year Old Vehicle Ban States, the specific rules for diesel and petrol cars, and everything else you need to know.
Why Are 15-Year-Old Vehicles Being Banned?
The core motivation behind banning older vehicles lies in environmental protection. Older vehicles, especially those running on diesel, emit significantly more pollutants than newer models built to stricter emission norms such as BS6.
Moreover, aging vehicles lack modern safety features and are more likely to break down or cause accidents. By phasing out these high-emission vehicles, the government aims to reduce urban air pollution and encourage people to switch to cleaner, safer alternatives like electric vehicles (EVs) or CNG-powered cars.
Full List of 15-Year Old Vehicle Ban States in 2025
Several Indian states and union territories have already confirmed their participation in the 15-year-old vehicle ban. Here’s where the restrictions will apply starting 2025:
1. Delhi
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Already known for strict anti-pollution measures.
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Diesel vehicles over 10 years old and petrol vehicles over 15 years are banned.
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Automatic deregistration applies via VAHAN database.
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No re-registration allowed once the age limit is crossed.
2. Maharashtra
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Includes major cities like Mumbai and Pune.
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Proposed ban on 15-year-old private vehicles (both petrol and diesel).
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Increased focus on vehicle scrappage policy implementation.
3. Uttar Pradesh
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Restrictions to begin in major cities like Noida, Ghaziabad, and Lucknow.
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Priority enforcement on diesel vehicles over 10 years.
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Petrol vehicles older than 15 years also targeted.
4. Haryana
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Follows Delhi’s model.
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Diesel vehicles over 10 years and petrol vehicles over 15 years to be de-registered.
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Applicable mainly in NCR areas such as Gurugram and Faridabad.
5. Karnataka
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Bengaluru to roll out phased enforcement of 15-year vehicle ban.
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Government promoting EV adoption and vehicle scrappage incentives.
6. Tamil Nadu
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Chennai to lead the implementation.
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Strict checking of vehicle age during pollution and insurance checks.
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Awareness campaigns ongoing.
7. West Bengal
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Kolkata to enforce the ban strictly.
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High-emission zones to be established with monitoring cameras.
8. Rajasthan
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Jaipur and surrounding cities will see initial enforcement.
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Scrappage policy-linked incentives under development.
9. Punjab
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Focused on Ludhiana, Amritsar, and Chandigarh region.
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Diesel vehicles over 10 years and petrol over 15 years to be barred from city limits.
Updated Rules for Diesel and Petrol Cars
Here’s a breakdown of how the rules for diesel and petrol cars differ under the 2025 regulations:
Diesel Vehicles
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Diesel cars older than 10 years are banned in Delhi and NCR.
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Many other states are aligning with this precedent.
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High fines and deregistration notices will follow non-compliance.
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Cannot be re-registered in most cases.
Petrol Vehicles
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Petrol cars can run up to 15 years, after which they are subject to automatic deregistration.
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Extension or re-registration is rare unless retrofitted with cleaner tech or repurposed as vintage vehicles.
Both categories are eligible for scrappage incentives, provided the vehicle is surrendered voluntarily under state or central vehicle scrappage policies.
What Should Vehicle Owners Do?
If your vehicle is nearing the 15-year mark:
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Check the registration certificate (RC) to verify the manufacturing year.
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Get a fitness certificate, if required, before your vehicle crosses the age limit.
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Consider selling the vehicle in a state where the ban is not yet in effect (not recommended long-term).
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Opt for the voluntary scrappage policy and claim benefits for your next purchase.
Many automakers now offer exchange bonuses for vehicles scrapped under official programs, especially when switching to EVs or CNG-powered cars.
Impact on the Automotive Market
The ban on 15-year-old vehicles is expected to:
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Boost sales of new, cleaner vehicles.
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Accelerate EV adoption, especially in metros.
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Increase demand for car loan and finance options.
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Influence the rise of vehicle scrappage and recycling businesses.
FAQs on the 15-Year Old Vehicle Ban
Q1. Can I drive my 15-year-old car after 2025?
A: Only if your vehicle is registered in a state not enforcing the ban. In states implementing the ban, your RC will be automatically canceled.
Q2. What happens if I continue using my old car?
A: You may face fines, confiscation, or deregistration. Insurance claims may also be denied if the vehicle is found to be illegal.
Q3. Are commercial vehicles also affected?
A: Yes. While the focus is on private vehicles, commercial vehicles also face similar restrictions depending on their fuel type and emission status.
Q4. Can I convert my old petrol or diesel car to electric?
A: Technically yes, through certified retrofitting. However, legal acceptance varies by state and needs prior RTO approval.
Q5. Are vintage cars included in the ban?
A: No. Vehicles registered as vintage (usually over 50 years old and certified) are exempt but must be used only for display or special purposes.
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