Delhi to Crack Down on Vehicles Without Valid PUC Certificates From October 2026
Delhi will begin focused enforcement against vehicles without valid PUC certificates from 1 October 2026, with fines of up to ₹10,000, alongside wider pollution-control measures.
Vehicles plying in Delhi without a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate could face challans and penalties of up to ₹10,000 from 1 October 2026, as the city government prepares a focused enforcement drive aimed at ensuring vehicles meet prescribed emission standards.
PUC centres to be upgraded with technology
Alongside enforcement, the Delhi government plans to deploy technology to improve oversight of PUC centres and make the certification process more robust. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said work would be undertaken to strengthen the monitoring and functioning of these centres through technology, adding that the system would be made more effective and reliable.
What a PUC certificate means
A PUC certificate confirms that a vehicle's emissions fall within the limits prescribed under motor vehicle regulations. Under Rule 115(7) of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, a vehicle must obtain a valid PUC certificate one year after its first registration and produce it on demand during an inspection by an authorised enforcement officer.
Petrol, diesel and CNG vehicles are required to hold a valid PUC certificate. Electric vehicles are exempt, as they do not produce tailpipe emissions.
Broader pollution-control measures announced
The enforcement push is part of a wider set of measures announced by the Delhi government to address the capital's air quality. Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said dust-generating demolition and outdoor civil construction work will be barred from 1 November to 31 January, with a complete ban on construction and demolition activity from 10 December to 20 January.
Parking charges will double from 1 November, office timings will be staggered, and 50% work-from-home arrangements will be implemented. Registered vehicles from outside Delhi that do not meet BS-VI emission standards will be barred from entering the city from 1 November. Electric vehicles will not attract additional parking charges.
The measures follow an action-based planning meeting on reducing pollution in Delhi and the National Capital Region, chaired by Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, PWD Minister Parvesh Verma and Sirsa attended the meeting. The "No Fuel, No PUCC, No Fuel" rule will be strengthened and implemented in mission mode, Sirsa said.