New Delhi — A Delhi man’s heartfelt post about his father’s 16-year-old Mercedes-Benz E280 V6 has sparked a heated debate online, as new directives prohibit refuelling End-of-Life (EoL) vehicles in the capital starting July 1.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Rattan Dhillon shared an image of the silver luxury sedan, expressing anger at the government’s blanket enforcement of the 10-year diesel and 15-year petrol vehicle ban, even for well-maintained cars.
This is my dad’s 16-year-old Mercedes E280 V6 still running stronger and cleaner than most of the so-called modern cars that keep breaking down on roads.
— Rattan Dhillon (@ShivrattanDhil1) July 2, 2025
Every single button still works, and the engine? Still does 0–100 in just 6–7 seconds. Zero pollution, zero nonsense.
But… pic.twitter.com/pXCdPvHNY3
“Still running stronger and cleaner than most of the so-called modern cars that keep breaking down… But sadly, I have to label it a ‘vintage scrap’ just because we live in a country where politicians have zero love for cars,” he wrote. “I challenge the government to prove it pollutes.”
The Law vs Sentiment: Mixed Public Reaction
Dhillon’s post — which has garnered over 30,000 views — triggered an avalanche of reactions:
- Supporters decried the “one-size-fits-all” approach. “Can you relocate the car to a non-NCR region where it can still be used?” asked one user.
- Others proposed the introduction of a heritage vehicle registration system, akin to schemes in Australia and the UK, which permit vintage cars under special conditions.
- Critics, however, called the outrage elitist. “Rules won’t change just because your dad owns a Mercedes,” one wrote.
Why the Outrage Now? Crackdown Intensifies from July 1
The backlash follows a major enforcement push by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM). Beginning July 1, refuelling of diesel vehicles older than 10 years and petrol vehicles older than 15 years is banned across Delhi NCR.
- 350 petrol pumps now have stationed transport and traffic officers.
- Violators may face challans or vehicle impoundment.
- Two police officers will be posted at each fuel station to ensure order during implementation.
A Policy Backed by Pollution Data
Authorities argue the rules are backed by air quality and emissions data:
- A 2022 EPCA report attributed 28% of Delhi’s PM2.5 levels to vehicular emissions.
- EoL vehicles are said to disproportionately contribute to air pollution.
Still, classic car enthusiasts say the policy fails to differentiate between old, polluting vehicles and well-maintained vintage models that are often used infrequently.
What Lies Ahead?
With the rule limited to Delhi NCR, many suggest transferring vehicle ownership to states without EoL restrictions. But this isn’t a long-term solution, and the debate highlights a lack of regulatory flexibility for classic car preservation.
“We need reforms—clear guidelines for low-usage vintage vehicles and a heritage permit system,” one user summarized.
As the scrap-or-relocate dilemma plays out, Dhillon’s post has become a rallying cry for thousands of vintage vehicle lovers nationwide.