The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has exempted vintage and classic cars permanently from its ban on more than 15-year old vehicles. The relaxation in rules has brought cheer to thousands of vintage and classic car owners in Delhi-NCR region who had been banned from using their vehicles on public roads since November 2014. Back then, NGT had issued a blanket ban on the vehicles which are older than 15-years citing hazardous air pollution levels.
The National Green Tribunal has referred to rule 92 (2) (c) of the CMVR (Central Motor Vehicles Rules) 1989 and section 59 of the Motor Vehicles Act 1988, which exempts automobiles categorised as vintage. Under the guidelines, vehicles which are categorised as vintage can be driven on public roads for maintenance, rallies and exhibitions. Reports indicate that the relaxation in rules is a result of a plea filed on behalf of vintage and classic cars owners who have been requesting for exemption from the rule on the basis of their historical and sentimental value.
The court pointed out that although the vehicle will now be allowed to ply on public roads, the owners also have a corporate social responsibility and make a contribution towards the environment by planting more trees and providing dustbins. The ban comes as a reliever to over 10,000 vintage vehicles in the country. In the Delhi-NCR region alone, reports indicate that there are about 1200 vehicles that fall under this category.
