GRAP 3 in Delhi-NCR: Which Cars Are Banned, Fines and Exemptions

Delhi-NCR woke up to GRAP Stage III on the weekend of Diwali. If you drive an older petrol or diesel car, here is exactly what that means for you, what is exempt and what you can do.

What is GRAP Stage III and why was it invoked?

GRAP is the Graded Response Action Plan, run by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM). CAQM invoked Stage III on Friday 6 Nov 2026, with Stage I and II measures staying in force. Business Today reports the overall Delhi AQI at 364 ('very poor') at 8 am on 7 Nov, and attributes the worsening to stubble burning and festive-season traffic.

Another outlet, The Newsmill, quoted a Delhi AQI of 382 on 6 Nov and the IIT Delhi station at 474. Numbers differ by station and hour. IITM Pune has forecast 'severe' air from 7 to 9 Nov, then 'severe' to 'very poor' for the following six days (Business Today).

Which cars are banned in Delhi-NCR under GRAP 3 today?

Reports describe Stage III as a restriction on BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers in Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad and Gautam Buddha Nagar. V3Cars adds that high-density parts of Sonipat are covered in the framework. Business Today uses the word 'restrictions' while The Newsmill calls them bans, so treat the practical effect as no plying on the road.

Delhi Traffic Police advisory as summarised by Inshorts lists these as banned: Delhi-registered petrol cars at BS-III or lower, Delhi-registered diesel cars below BS-VI, outside-Delhi vehicles at BS-IV or lower, and any vehicle without a valid PUC. Business Today's earlier list is slightly different for Delhi diesel (BS-III and older). If you own a Delhi-registered BS-IV diesel, check with Delhi Traffic Police before driving.

What about diesel goods vehicles and buses?

Certain diesel goods vehicles are restricted, with exemptions for those carrying essential commodities or providing essential services (Business Today). V3Cars reports that BS-IV and older diesel medium and light goods vehicles registered outside Delhi are barred from entering. Inter-state buses must be electric, CNG or BS-VI diesel.

What is the fine for violating GRAP 3 rules?

None of the 2026 reports we checked state a fine amount, and we could not confirm the legal section being used this year. In the November 2024 GRAP III round, Republic reported Rs 20,000 for driving a private BS-III petrol or BS-IV diesel vehicle and Rs 10,000 for no valid PUC. Treat these as the earlier benchmark, not an official 2026 figure.

Is the winter entry ban for outside-Delhi vehicles different?

Yes. Under Delhi's winter plan, non-BS6 vehicles registered outside Delhi cannot ply from 1 Nov 2026 to 31 Jan 2027, whatever the AQI. Delhi-registered vehicles are not covered by this rule, and electric, CNG and emergency vehicles are exempt (V3Cars, 23 Oct 2026).

The same plan has a 'No PUC, No Fuel' rule: fuel pumps will not supply petrol, diesel, CNG or LPG to vehicles without a valid PUC certificate. Renew yours before you reach the pump.

How do I check my car's BS norm?

• Look at the registration certificate (RC) for the emission norm line.
• Search your registration number on the Parivahan or VAHAN portal.
• Use the mParivahan app to see your vehicle details.
• If the norm is blank, check the manufacture year and fuel type with your dealer.

What would GRAP Stage IV add if AQI crosses 450?

Stage IV covers AQI above 450. Per V3Cars, it stops entry of heavy goods vehicles except LNG, CNG, electric and BS6 diesel trucks, restricts Delhi-registered BS4 and older diesel heavy goods vehicles, and lets states consider emergency measures such as odd-even. Earlier-stage measures continue when a higher stage is activated. Some outlets give Stage III as AQI 401 to 450.

What changes for schools and offices?

The Delhi Directorate of Education directed schools to let students up to Class 5 attend in person or online. Under Stage III, state governments are to run hybrid classes up to Class 5 where feasible. Delhi and NCR governments may decide on a 50 percent work from home arrangement for offices, but this is discretionary, not a mandate (Business Today).

How can car and bike owners cope with smog days?

Dust settles fast on parked vehicles. Clean the cabin with a cordless vacuum such as the Autofy Storm 3 V2.0 car vacuum and wipe surfaces with a 1200 GSM microfiber towel so grit does not scratch paint or dashboards.

AUTOFY PICK Autofy DustMag Car Duster A wax-infused microfiber duster for scratch-free dust removal on parked cars. It does not purify air. Rs 699 Shop on Autofy →

If you still drive a compliant car, keep tyres at the recommended pressure, as it supports efficiency. A digital tyre inflator makes that a two minute job. A fresh MISTIQUE car perfume is optional, and it only adds fragrance.

Riders face low visibility in smog. A brighter NightHawk 40W H4 LED headlight can help you be seen and see, subject to your bike's compatibility. Parked two-wheelers can sit under a Hydra waterproof bike cover to keep dust off the body.

Key takeaways

• GRAP III has applied across Delhi-NCR since 6 Nov 2026.
• BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers are restricted in five NCR districts.
• EV, CNG, emergency vehicles and BS-VI cars with valid PUC are not on the banned list.
• Non-BS6 outside-Delhi vehicles are barred from 1 Nov 2026 to 31 Jan 2027.
• 2026 fine amount unconfirmed; 2024 benchmark was Rs 20,000.

Frequently asked questions