If you own a vehicle in Delhi, it is now very important to make sure that your car has a color-coded fuel sticker on the front windshield. Without this small but essential sticker, you can be fined and may even face problems in getting your PUC certificate, which is necessary to drive legally. The Delhi government has now strictly enforced this rule under its High-Security Registration Plate (HSRP) policy.
This move is part of the wider effort to fight air pollution in Delhi and make vehicle fuel identification easier for traffic police and pollution control departments. These stickers are tamper-proof and once applied, they get destroyed if removed, making them safe and authentic.
Let’s understand in simple terms what this sticker means, why it’s important, and how you can easily get one online.
What Are Fuel Stickers and What Do the Colors Mean?
Fuel stickers are special color-coded hologram stickers that show which type of fuel your car runs on. These are to be placed on the top-left corner of the front windshield of your vehicle.
There are three colors used for these stickers:
- Light Blue – For Petrol and CNG vehicles
- Orange – For Diesel vehicles
- Grey – For Electric, Hybrid or Other Fuel Types
These colors help enforcement agencies quickly identify which fuel your car uses. This is especially useful during pollution-related emergencies when certain types of vehicles might be banned from the roads for a few days.
Why the Fuel Sticker Rule is Strictly Enforced in Delhi
The idea of color-coded stickers was introduced years ago, but it became mandatory for all new vehicles from April 2019. Now, even older vehicles are required to have this sticker.
The Delhi Transport Department has made it clear that this rule is not optional. If your car does not have a fuel sticker, you will:
- Not get a Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate
- Be fined under Section 192 (1) of the Motor Vehicles Act
Earlier, during a campaign run by the Delhi government in 2020, many people were fined up to ₹5,000 for not having the fuel sticker and HSRP. Authorities are again becoming strict, and officials have been instructed to check vehicles for these stickers regularly.
How This Helps in the Fight Against Air Pollution
Delhi is known for high levels of air pollution, especially in the winter months. One of the major reasons is the smoke from vehicles, especially diesel cars. During times when air quality becomes hazardous, the government sometimes bans certain vehicles, especially diesel-run cars, from operating.
With fuel stickers on every car, it becomes easier and quicker for police and pollution control teams to identify which vehicles are allowed to run and which are not. This is much faster than checking RC papers or asking drivers questions.
This system is not just about following rules—it is a key part of Delhi’s pollution control strategy. It brings accountability to drivers and helps build a cleaner city environment by identifying and limiting high-pollution vehicles on roads when required.
What Happens If You Don’t Have a Fuel Sticker?
Driving in Delhi without a fuel sticker can lead to the following problems:
- You may be fined up to ₹5,000
- Your car won’t get a valid PUC certificate
- You may be stopped during pollution control drives
- It could cause legal trouble under the Motor Vehicles Act
Basically, without the sticker, your vehicle is considered non-compliant, and you could be pulled over at any time by traffic police or pollution officers.
How to Get a Color-Coded Fuel Sticker Online
Getting a fuel sticker is very simple and quick. You can apply online in just a few steps.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting your sticker:
- Visit the Delhi Transport Department’s official website or HSRP portal.
- Find the section for color-coded fuel stickers or HSRP booking.
- Choose your vehicle type:
- Private Car (White Number Plate)
- Commercial Vehicle (Yellow Number Plate)
- Enter your vehicle’s registration number, chassis number, and engine number.
- Choose your state and nearest authorized dealer.
- Fill in your details like name, mobile number, and email.
- Verify the OTP sent to your registered mobile number.
- Select your appointment date and time to visit the dealer.
- Make the online payment (cost is generally minimal).
- You will receive a confirmation message and email for the appointment.
Once the sticker is applied, it stays on the windshield permanently. It cannot be reused and will automatically get damaged if someone tries to remove it.
A Small Step That Makes a Big Difference
Even though it might seem like a small sticker, it plays a big role in the way pollution and traffic are managed in Delhi. From helping traffic police take quick action to allowing smoother implementation of emergency pollution rules, the fuel sticker makes a direct impact on the city’s health and environment.
If your car is not yet updated with the sticker, it’s best to act now. It is not only about avoiding fines—it’s about following the law and doing your part to keep Delhi’s air cleaner.
