Classic And Vintage Cars Exempted From NGT¡¯s 15-Year-Old Vehicle Ban In Delhi
National Green Tribunal banned vehicles which are older than 15 years from Delhi roads back in 2014. The cars were automatically banned from participating in vintage car rallies - the only chance for people to see these beauties on the roads. Thankfully better sense has prevailed and older cars have now been permanently exempted from the ban.
When the National Green Tribunal banned vehicles which are older than 15 years, from Delhi roads back in 2014, it also sounded the death knell for classic and vintage cars. The cars were automatically banned from participating in vintage car rallies - the only chance for people to see these beauties on the roads.
Thankfully, better sense has prevailed and older cars have now been permanently exempted from the ban. An NGT bench headed by Justice Swatanter Kumar referred to Motor Vehicles Act and allowed ¡°antique cars that satisfy prescribed norms under the Motor Vehicles Act would be allowed to ply on the road for exhibitions, rallies and maintenance and will not be allowed otherwise.¡±
BCCL
The order came after Heritage Motoring Club of India filed a plea. The club was represented by its president KTS Tulsi who is an advocate himself.
This is a step in the right direction as India has had a rich pre and post-independence era car history, and it's only fair that this be available for people to see and enjoy. Indian maharajas and royal families were known for their love for Rolls Royce and Bentleys, while big American cars were imported after 1947 up to the 50s and 60s.
In case you¡¯re wondering, cars built between 1919 and 1939 are classified as vintage, while those built between 1940 and 1962 are classified as classic. The definition may vary depending upon the registration agency and country.
BCCL
The new NGT exemption, however, restricts their use only for rallies. Whether or not these will eventually be allowed to ply on roads on a daily basis, is something that remains to be seen.