The Telangana government has decided to ban vehicles 15 years or older from plying on Hyderabad’s roads starting January 1, 2025. This move aims to reduce pollution and promote safer transportation. Vehicle owners will face penalties if their overage vehicles are found on the road, but those that pass the fitness test can continue operating for 3-5 years by paying a green tax.

There are approximately 17 lakh motorcycles, 3.5 lakh cars, 1 lakh goods vehicles, and 20,000 auto-rickshaws that are overage in Hyderabad. However, 10,000 government vehicles are exempt from this exemption. The Regional Transport Authority has submitted a draft of the vehicle scrappage policy to the government for approval, which may require these vehicles to be scrapped.

To avoid penalties, vehicle owners should check their vehicle’s status and consider scrapping or renewing their vehicle’s fitness certificate. The Hyderabad traffic police have been imposing challans on traffic violators, and this new rule will further enforce road safety and pollution control measures.