Delhi revises fuel ban: Here's how owners can reclaim seized or sold vehicles

Delhi Transport Department has provided a possible path to reclaim ownership

In a significant policy shift, the Delhi government has partially rolled back its earlier decision banning fuel distribution to diesel vehicles over 10 years old, following public backlash and logistical concerns. The rule, originally imposed by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) in 2015, banned diesel vehicles older than 10 years and petrol vehicles older than 15 years in the Delhi-NCR region as a measure to tackle rising pollution levels.

The 2025 policy amendment, aimed at stricter enforcement by cutting off fuel supply to such vehicles, sparked significant public dissatisfaction. The recent partial rollback of this ban has triggered a mix of emotions—offering relief to some, while leaving others with a sense of regret, particularly those who had to sell their vehicles under pressure or saw them confiscated by authorities.

For those whose vehicles were seized and impounded under the emission rules, the Delhi Transport Department has provided a possible path to reclaim ownership—though the process includes certain conditions and is not assured for everyone.

Step-by-step guide for checking status and applying for release:

--Visit the Delhi Transport Department portal or the VAHAN website.

--Enter the vehicle registration number to check current status—whether it’s stored, scrapped, auctioned, or deregistered.

--If the vehicle is listed as seized and stored in a yard, owners can apply for its release through the concerned RTO or enforcement department.

--Upon approval, vehicle owners must pay parking/yard fees and ensure the car passes a fitness and pollution test before it can be re-registered and driven again.

There’s no certainty of retrieval. If the vehicle fails mandatory checks or has already been dismantled or sold, authorities may reject the release application.

What If the Car Was Sold?

If you sold your vehicle, particularly to someone outside Delhi, due to pressure from the initial ban:

--Locate the current owner using transport department records or online databases.

--File a request to repurchase or reclaim the car, ensuring it hasn’t been scrapped or officially deregistered.

--Confirm eligibility for re-registration in Delhi under the updated regulations before proceeding.

The partial reversal has offered a ray of hope to many who had to let go of their vehicles, both emotionally and financially. However, transport authorities emphasize that all requests will be evaluated individually, and only those vehicles that pass the updated fitness standards will qualify for release.