Beware! Why Delhi Govt Could Seize Your Old Car and How to Avoid
In Delhi, owning an old car now comes with heightened risks of impoundment as the government reiterates stringent measures against overage vehicles. The Delhi transport department has recently reinforced its stance on older vehicles, mandating that they must either be parked in private spaces or scrapped to evade seizure. According to a PTI report, vehicles deemed overage and parked in public areas, including near residences, are subject to immediate impoundment.
The notice issued by the transport department specifies that even shared parking areas within residential complexes are considered public spaces under these regulations. To comply with the guidelines, owners must ensure their vehicles are parked only in private spaces owned by the individual. It was further clarified that parking slots allocated to owners within residential complexes are deemed private, provided they are not shared.
Do you own an overage vehicle in Delhi? Here’s how you can avoid potential seizure and adhere to the new regulations:
The Delhi government has already deregistered a significant number of overage vehicles, totaling 5.5 million units. Owners of such vehicles have a few key options to avoid penalties:
Owners can secure a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to relocate their vehicles out of Delhi. However, this option must be exercised within one year from the vehicle’s expiry date. It’s critical to note that NOCs will not be issued beyond this one-year period.
Alternatively, owners can choose to scrap their overage vehicles. This process can be initiated through the Voluntary Vehicle Scrapping Application, accessible via the official website 'https://vscrap.parivahan.gov.in/'. This initiative aligns with the government’s efforts to curb pollution and promote environmental sustainability.
These stringent measures stem from various judicial rulings aimed at reducing pollution levels in Delhi. In 2018, the Supreme Court imposed a ban on diesel vehicles older than 10 years and petrol vehicles older than 15 years from operating within the city limits. Violations of this ban result in immediate impoundment of the vehicle. Additionally, a 2014 directive from the National Green Tribunal prohibits the parking of vehicles older than 15 years in public spaces.
The enforcement of these regulations falls under the jurisdiction of the transport department’s enforcement wing, along with collaboration from the New Delhi Municipal Council, Municipal Corporation of Delhi, and Traffic Police. Authorities are authorized to impound any overage vehicle found parked in public places, even if an NOC has been issued. Owners failing to relocate their vehicles out of Delhi within one month of receiving the NOC may face legal prosecution under the 'Guidelines for Handling of End of Life Vehicles 2024'.
The Delhi government’s stringent regulations on overage vehicles underscore its commitment to combatting pollution and enhancing environmental quality in the capital. Owners of older vehicles are urged to comply with these measures promptly to avoid penalties and ensure environmental compliance. By securing NOCs for relocation or opting for vehicle scrappage, individuals can contribute to Delhi’s efforts in maintaining cleaner air and sustainable urban development.
In summary, the Delhi government’s proactive stance against overage vehicles reflects its determination to enforce environmental regulations effectively and safeguard public health amid growing urban challenges.
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