Non-BS-VI Commercial Vehicles Barred from November 1 In Delhi Amid Winter Smog Fears

As Diwali fireworks fade and November’s chill sets in, Delhi’s fight against its notorious winter smog is entering a tougher phase. Starting November 1, 2025, the national capital will block non-BS-VI commercial vehicles from entering, a decisive move by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to cut vehicular emissions when pollution levels traditionally spike.

The reasoning is simple: Delhi’s air turns toxic every winter. A mix of stubble burning from nearby states, construction dust, and exhaust fumes traps the city in a gray haze that sends air quality into the “severe” zone. Older diesel vehicles, especially those compliant only with BS-III or BS-IV norms, are major offenders, spewing nitrogen oxides and fine particulates. 

The restriction targets non-BS-VI commercial goods carriers registered outside Delhi. These include light goods vehicles (LGVs) like mini-trucks, medium goods vehicles (MGVs) such as 407-type haulers, and heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) including multi-axle lorries. 

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Any truck running on BS-III, BS-IV, or early BS-V diesel without retrofit upgrades will be stopped at border checkposts monitored by ANPR cameras and enforcement teams. Common affected models include pre-2020 Tata Ace units, older Mahindra Bolero PickUps, Eicher Pro 2049 trucks, and Ashok Leyland Dost variants. Private cars, SUVs, and two-wheelers remain unaffected by this rule. 

Delhi has separate plans in motion for personal vehicles, including future limits on new petrol and diesel purchases, but those are phased measures, not entry bans.

Two-wheelers are also outside the current ban. Even commercial delivery bikes can continue operating for now, though tighter rules are on the horizon. From August 2026, internal combustion engine (ICE) two-wheelers could face registration hurdles in Delhi-NCR, encouraging a shift to electric scooters and motorcycles. For now, enforcement is focused entirely on incoming commercial trucks from Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and other states.

Owners of older trucks should prepare rather than panic. Delhi-registered BS-IV commercial vehicles have a one-year grace period until October 31, 2026, to continue operating locally. Out-of-state operators have less time, though essential services such as food, milk, and medicine transport will get temporary exemptions.