Every winter, Delhi NCR’s air quality decides which vehicles can stay on the road. This year, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has rewritten parts of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), and car owners should understand the changes before smog season peaks.
What Has Changed in GRAP 2026?
Every winter, Delhi NCR’s air quality decides which vehicles can stay on the road. This year, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has rewritten parts of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), and car owners should understand the changes before smog season peaks.CAQM approved the revised GRAP on 28 September 2026, and BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel cars are restricted from Stage III in Delhi and five NCR districts, now including Sonipat. The revised framework also moves some measures, including those on certain buses, to earlier pollution stages.
No PUC, No Fuel Rule
Every winter, Delhi NCR’s air quality decides which vehicles can stay on the road. This year, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has rewritten parts of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), and car owners should understand the changes before smog season peaks.CAQM approved the revised GRAP on 28 September 2026, and BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel cars are restricted from Stage III in Delhi and five NCR districts, now including Sonipat. The revised framework also moves some measures, including those on certain buses, to earlier pollution stages.Since 1 October 2026, NCR fuel stations must refuse fuel to vehicles without a valid PUC certificate, and the fine is up to Rs 10,000. Renew your certificate now to avoid being stranded at the pump.
Stage-Wise Vehicle Restrictions
GRAP has four stages set by Delhi’s AQI: 201 to 300, 301 to 400, 401 to 450 and above 450.
- Stage I: Buses from Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and other adjoining states cannot ply in Delhi-NCR unless they are electric, CNG or BS-VI diesel.
- Stage III: BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers face plying restrictions in Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, Gautam Buddh Nagar and Sonipat. Diesel BS-IV and below light and medium goods vehicles registered outside Delhi are also restricted from entering.
- Stage IV: Restrictions extend to trucks and heavy goods vehicles. Under Stage IV in January 2026, BS-IV trucks were banned from entering Delhi, except those carrying essential commodities or providing essential services.
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Goods Vehicle Deadline: 1 November
From 1 November 2026, BS4 commercial goods vehicles registered outside Delhi lose their transition window, and only BS-VI, CNG, LNG and electric goods vehicles can enter. Fleet operators and logistics businesses should audit their vehicles immediately.
What Happened Last Winter?
These curbs are not theoretical. CAQM invoked Stage III across the entire NCR on 17 January 2026 after AQI was recorded at 354. It then invoked Stage IV the following day after AQI touched 400.
Why It Matters for Vehicle Owners
GRAP affects daily commuters, fleet operators and car buyers alike. A vehicle’s fuel type and emission standard now directly decide whether it can legally run during peak pollution.
How to Prepare
- Keep your PUC certificate valid at all times.
- Check your vehicle’s BS emission norm on the registration certificate.
- Consider BS-VI, CNG or electric if you drive a BS-III petrol or BS-IV diesel car.
- Track AQI and CAQM announcements before long trips.
- Keep alternatives ready, such as the Metro or carpooling, for Stage III and above.
The exact restrictions in force on any day depend on the applicable GRAP stage and separate government orders, so always confirm with official updates.
Conclusion
GRAP 2026 rewards drivers who plan ahead. A valid PUC, a cleaner vehicle and awareness of AQI triggers are the best protection against fines and sudden travel disruptions. Check your vehicle’s emission standard today, before the next AQI spike makes the decision for you.
FAQ's
Which cars are restricted under GRAP Stage III?
BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers are restricted in Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, Gautam Buddh Nagar and Sonipat.
Is a PUC certificate mandatory to get fuel?
Yes. Since 1 October 2026, NCR fuel stations must refuse fuel without a valid PUC, and the fine is up to Rs 10,000.
Are BS-VI cars and EVs affected?
BS-VI cars and EVs are not named in the Stage III car restrictions. Cleaner buses and goods vehicles (electric, CNG, BS-VI) are also exempt from the entry curbs described above.
Is any GRAP stage in force right now?
This changes with AQI. One report found no GRAP stage invoked as of 16 October 2026, while another reported Stage 1 as active in October 2026. Check CAQM’s official site for the current status.
