Driving in India is about to change significantly from April 1, 2025! The government has introduced new vehicle rules that every driver must know to avoid hefty fines and penalties. Whether you’re a car owner, a daily commuter, or a transport professional, these changes will impact you. From stricter traffic fines to new pollution control norms, here’s everything you need to stay updated and compliant.
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New Vehicle Rules: Key Highlights
| Change | Details | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| End-of-Life Vehicle (ELV) Rules | Owners must scrap unfit vehicles within 180 days | MoEF&CC |
| Delhi’s Fuel Ban | No fuel for vehicles older than 15 years | Times of India |
| Revised Traffic Fines | Drunk driving: Rs 10,000 fine; No helmet: Rs 1,000 fine | ET Now |
| Bharat NCAP | Star safety ratings for new cars | Wikipedia |
| EV Incentives | Tax benefits for electric vehicle manufacturers | Reuters |
1. End-of-Life Vehicle (ELV) Rules
The End-of-Life Vehicles (ELV) policy ensures old, unfit vehicles are properly recycled, reducing environmental impact. Here’s what you need to know:
- Vehicle owners must dispose of their vehicles at authorized scrapping centers within 180 days of being declared unfit.
- Car manufacturers must set up recycling programs and offer buy-back incentives.
- Scrapping facilities will issue certificates of disposal, essential for deregistration and availing incentives on new purchases.
Example: If you own a 20-year-old car, you must take it to an authorized scrapping center and obtain a scrapping certificate to avoid penalties.
Why This Matters:
- Helps remove unsafe and highly polluting vehicles from the roads.
- Encourages eco-friendly vehicle disposal.
- Provides discounts on new car purchases.
Read more about it on MoEF&CC.
2. No Fuel for 15-Year-Old Vehicles in Delhi
From April 1, 2025, the Delhi government has banned refueling of vehicles older than 15 years to combat pollution.
What This Means for You:
- Petrol and diesel stations will refuse fuel to older vehicles.
- Owners must switch to electric vehicles (EVs) or scrap old vehicles.
- Exemptions apply to certain government and heritage vehicles.
Example: If you drive a 2008 model car, you will no longer be able to refuel it in Delhi after April 1st, forcing you to either convert to EV or scrap it.
Stay updated via Times of India.
3. Revised Traffic Fines
Traffic rules are getting stricter, with major increases in penalties to promote road safety.
Updated Fines & Penalties:
| Violation | New Fine (₹) | Previous Fine (₹) |
| Drunk Driving | 10,000 + Jail | 2,000 |
| Mobile Use While Driving | 5,000 | 500 |
| No Helmet | 1,000 + License Suspension | 100 |
| No Seatbelt | 1,000 | 500 |
| No Pollution Certificate | 10,000 + Jail | 2,000 |
Example: If you’re caught driving without a valid pollution certificate, you will be fined ₹10,000 and may face 6 months in jail.
For the full list, visit ET Now.
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4. Bharat NCAP
India now has its own crash safety rating system – Bharat NCAP. Cars will receive star ratings based on safety performance in crash tests.
Why This Matters:
- Helps buyers choose safer cars.
- Encourages manufacturers to improve vehicle safety.
- Introduces mandatory safety features like 6 airbags, ABS, and seatbelt reminders.
Read more at Wikipedia.
5. EV Incentives & New Manufacturing Policies
To boost electric vehicle (EV) adoption, the government has revised its EV policy to encourage local production.
What’s Changing?
- Tax incentives for automakers investing in EV production.
- Reduced import duties for companies manufacturing in India.
- 50% local sourcing requirement to qualify for incentives.
Example: If Toyota starts producing EVs in India, they will get major tax benefits, making EVs more affordable for consumers.
For more details, visit Reuters.
FAQs
Q1: What happens if I don’t scrap my old car?
You may face hefty fines, and your vehicle may be deregistered, making it illegal to drive.
Q2: Can I convert my petrol car to electric?
Yes, retrofit conversion kits are available, but they must be government-approved.
Q3: How do I check if my car is eligible for scrapping?
Check the VAHAN portal or visit an RTO office.
Q4: Will my fines increase if I don’t pay them immediately?
Yes, late penalties and possible license suspension may apply.
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