Delhi’s air is finally moving from “apocalyptic” to just “bad,” and that means the CAQM has officially pulled the plug on GRAP 4 as of December 24, 2025. But before you go revving your old diesel engine, there’s a catch.
The thing is, while the “Severe Plus” emergency is over, we’re still stuck in GRAP 3. Or nothing. Let’s be real, the rules for petrol and diesel are worlds apart right now, and the confusion at the border is real. Those too.
Also Read | Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi Sentenced to 17 Years in Jail
The BS4 Petrol Verdict
If you own a BS4 Petrol car, you can breathe a sigh of relief.
-
The Entry Rule: During GRAP 4, out-of-state BS4 petrol cars were banned from entering Delhi.1 Now that we’re back to Stage 3, that ban is gone.
-
The Operation Rule: BS4 petrol vehicles are perfectly legal to drive within Delhi and the NCR under GRAP 3.2 They aren’t on the “hit list” like their diesel counterparts.
-
The Condition: You absolutely must have a valid PUC certificate. If you don’t, you won’t even be able to get fuel—the “No PUC, No Fuel” rule is being enforced by AI cameras at every pump.3
Who Is Still Banned?
GRAP 3 isn’t exactly a free-for-all.4 If your vehicle falls into these categories, keep it in the garage or face a ₹20,000 fine:
-
BS3 Petrol Cars: Still completely banned in Delhi-NCR.
Also Read | Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi Sentenced to 17 Years in Jail
-
BS4 Diesel Cars: Still strictly prohibited. Even if it’s “just” a BS4, if it runs on diesel, it’s a no-go.
-
Older Vehicles: 10-year-old diesel and 15-year-old petrol cars are still subject to the permanent scrapper policy, regardless of the AQI.
The Current Air Check
| Category | AQI Range | Status | Key Vehicle Rule |
| Stage 1 & 2 | 201–400 | Active | Valid PUC mandatory; dust control. |
| Stage 3 | 401–450 | Active | Ban on BS3 Petrol & BS4 Diesel. |
| Stage 4 | 450+ | Lifted (Dec 24) | Only BS6, CNG, & EVs allowed entry. |
And here’s the kicker: even though the AQI dropped to 271 (the “Poor” category), the weather forecast for the next week looks grim. Slower winds are expected, meaning the smog might settle back in.5 It’s an ongoing situation where the CAQM could flip the switch back to Stage 4 at any moment if the numbers breach 450 again.
Also Read | Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi Sentenced to 17 Years in Jail
End…
