The Indian government has been implementing strict measures to tackle rising pollution levels in the country, and diesel vehicles have been under the spotlight for a long time. Recently, a social media post stirred debate about the reduced lifespan of diesel cars in Delhi when sold as second-hand vehicles.
What Happened?
A viral social media thread claimed that the Delhi Transport Department is illegally shortening the lifespan of used diesel cars from the standard 15 years to just 10 years during resale. The post included images showing the car’s original registration date as October 9, 2018, with a validity up to October 8, 2033. However, after resale, the registration certificate (RC) indicated a reduced lifespan valid only until October 8, 2028.
Is It Illegal?
Contrary to the claim, the reduction in lifespan is not illegal. In 2021, the Delhi Transport Department issued clear guidelines stating that diesel vehicles older than 10 years and petrol vehicles older than 15 years cannot operate on Delhi-NCR roads, even if their RCs show a longer validity. These rules align with orders from the National Green Tribunal (NGT) in 2015 and the Supreme Court in 2018.
Why Was This Rule Implemented?
The primary goal behind this decision is to reduce pollution in the National Capital Region (NCR). Diesel engines are known to produce higher emissions compared to petrol engines, making them a significant contributor to air pollution.
Rules for Other States
While diesel vehicles in Delhi have a strict 10-year operational limit, other states continue to follow the 15-year lifespan rule for both diesel and petrol cars. However, if a diesel car is resold in Delhi, the RC will reflect the reduced lifespan of 10 years.
Can You Extend Your Car’s Lifespan?
Vehicle owners can extend their diesel car’s lifespan by more than 5 years, provided the car passes a fitness test and the owner pays a Green Tax. If the vehicle fails the fitness evaluation, it will be sent for scrapping.
Conclusion
The reduced lifespan of diesel cars in Delhi is a legally enforced measure aimed at curbing pollution levels. Prospective buyers of second-hand diesel cars in the capital must be aware of these rules before making a purchase to avoid confusion or financial setbacks. This step serves as a significant move towards cleaner air and sustainable urban living in Delhi-NCR.
