In an effort to address the growing pollution levels in Delhi, the Delhi Transport Department has mandated that all vehicle owners within the National Capital Territory (NCT) affix colour-coded stickers on their vehicles to indicate the type of fuel used. This measure, introduced in line with a Supreme Court directive from August 12, 2018, and subsequent amendments to Rule 50 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, is aimed at improving air quality and enhancing enforcement efficiency.
Key Details of the Directive:
Sticker Type: Vehicle owners will be required to apply chromium-based hologram stickers that are colour-coded to identify the vehicle’s fuel type—petrol, diesel, CNG, etc. These stickers will assist enforcement officers in quickly and accurately identifying a vehicle’s fuel source during road checks, aiding in pollution control efforts.
Applicability: The rule applies to both new and old vehicles in the NCT of Delhi:
New vehicles: All new vehicles registered from April 1, 2019, must have the stickers affixed.
Old vehicles: Older vehicles (those registered before March 31, 2019) are also required to install these stickers. Owners of older vehicles are advised to reach out to their respective vehicle dealers for sticker installation.
Placement: The stickers must be affixed to the vehicles’ windscreens to comply with the regulations. This ensures visibility and easy identification by enforcement officers.
Installation Process:
Vehicle owners can use an online booking facility for the installation of High-Security Registration Plates (HSRP), which are accompanied by the fuel-based colour-coded stickers. The booking can be done via the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) website or directly through the Delhi Transport Department’s portal.
Home Installation Option: An additional convenience is the option for home installation of these stickers and HSRPs, further simplifying the compliance process for vehicle owners.
Details Included in the Stickers:
The stickers are not just a visual identifier for fuel types, but also carry laser-branded security features, including:
Vehicle registration number/Registering authority/Laser-branded PIN/Engine and chassis numbers
Penalties for Non-Compliance:
Failure to affix the colour-coded fuel stickers as mandated will lead to penalties under the Motor Vehicles Act and Rules. Vehicle owners are urged to ensure prompt installation to avoid fines and potential prosecution. The Transport Department has emphasized the importance of timely action to meet the regulatory standards.
Objective:
This initiative is part of Delhi’s broader efforts to reduce vehicle-related pollution, improve traffic management, and ensure the city meets environmental standards set by national and judicial authorities. By clearly identifying fuel types, authorities can more easily target vehicles that may be contributing heavily to pollution and enforce stricter regulations for higher-emission vehicles.