Is Your Car Allowed in Delhi? GRAP IV Rules You Must Know

Mandatory 50% Work from Home and Construction Ban Triggered as AQI Hits 'Severe' Levels

The Delhi government has operationalized the most stringent emergency measures under Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). Starting Thursday, December 18, 2025, the national capital has restricted the entry of all non-BS VI private vehicles and implemented a strict "No PUC, No Fuel" policy across all petrol pumps in the city.

With the Air Quality Index (AQI) hovering around 358 (categorized as 'very poor' to 'severe'), these measures aim to drastically reduce vehicular emissions, which authorities identify as a primary contributor to the city's toxic smog.

Key Highlights of Delhi’s GRAP-4 Restrictions

The new directives bring a series of prohibitions aimed at both transport and commercial sectors to curb particulate matter.

1. Massive Entry Ban on Older Vehicles

All privately owned non-BS VI vehicles registered outside Delhi are prohibited from entering the capital.

• Impact: Approximately 1.2 million vehicles from satellite cities including Noida (4 lakh), Gurgaon (2 lakh), and Ghaziabad (5.5 lakh) are expected to be affected.
• Target: Specifically targets BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles.
• Exemptions: Clean-energy vehicles (EVs, CNG, LNG) and those carrying essential commodities remain exempt.

2. "No PUC, No Fuel" Policy

Fuel stations across Delhi have been directed to deny petrol, diesel, or CNG to any vehicle lacking a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate.

• Enforcement: Police personnel and transport officials are deployed at petrol pumps, supported by Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras to verify compliance instantly.

3. Work from Home & School Shifts

To reduce the number of vehicles on the road, the government has mandated a 50% work-from-home rule for all private and government offices.

• Schools: Classes for primary and higher grades (up to Class IX and XI) have shifted to a hybrid mode, allowing students to attend online.
• Essential Services: Healthcare, fire services, and public transport personnel are exempt from the WFH mandate.

4. Total Construction Ban

Under GRAP-4, all construction and demolition (C&D) activities are suspended. This includes major public infrastructure projects like highways, flyovers, and power transmission lines that were previously allowed under lower GRAP stages.

Penalties and Enforcement Mechanisms

The Delhi government has deployed a robust monitoring network to ensure the restrictions are followed:

• Fines: Violators of the entry ban face penalties up to ₹20,000 under the Motor Vehicles Act.
• Impoundment: Repeat offenders and non-compliant older vehicles (10-year-old diesel/15-year-old petrol) face immediate seizure.
• On-Ground Force: Over 580 police personnel are stationed at 126 checkpoints, supported by 37 "Prakhar" enforcement vans patrolling the city.

Statement from Delhi Environment Minister

Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said the government will take strict action against violators, including seizure of vehicles and heavy penalties.

He urged citizens to cooperate with enforcement teams and avoid arguments at borders and fuel stations if their vehicles are found non-compliant. 

Outlook and Future Measures

The Supreme Court has clarified that these restrictions will remain in force as long as GRAP-IV is active. To provide further relief, the government is planning to launch a Delhi-specific carpooling app and an integrated traffic management system to reduce congestion at 100 identified hotspots. Additionally, Labor Minister Kapil Mishra has announced a one-time compensation of ₹10,000 for registered construction workers affected by the work stoppage.