Selling a Diesel Car in India Post-10-Year Rule: What you Need to Know

If you own a diesel car that’s close to the 10-year mark, especially in cities like Delhi-NCR, you’ve probably wondered, “Can I still sell it?” The short answer is yes, but there are a few key things you should know first.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through what the 10-year diesel rule means, how it affects you, and what you can do to sell your car safely and legally, without unnecessary stress.

What is the 10-Year Diesel Car Rule?

The 10-year diesel rule was introduced by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) to curb rising pollution levels. Under this rule, any diesel vehicle that is more than 10 years old cannot be legally driven or re-registered in Delhi-NCR. If caught on the road, these cars can be fined or even impounded.

So, if your diesel car was registered before 2015 in Delhi or surrounding areas, it may already be facing restrictions, even if it’s running just fine.

Why was this Rule Introduced?

The government imposed this rule to reduce air pollution, which is a major concern in urban India. Diesel engines emit more particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) compared to petrol engines, making them more harmful to the environment.

As cities grow more congested and air quality drops, such policies are becoming more common, and they may expand to other regions in the future.

What Happens Once your Diesel Car Turns 10 Years Old

After completing 10 years from the date of registration:

• You cannot drive your car legally in restricted areas like Delhi-NCR
• The RTO will not renew the registration
• Your insurance may not cover any claims if the vehicle is used illegally
• You’re left with two main options: scrap it or sell it outside the restricted zone

This is why it’s smart to act before your car reaches the 10-year mark.

Where Can You Still Sell Your Diesel Car?

Here’s the good news, many cities and states outside Delhi-NCR do not yet follow the 10-year diesel rule. You can sell your car to buyers in:

• Tier 2 or Tier 3 cities
• Rural areas
• Other Indian states where restrictions don’t apply yet

Just make sure to do an official RC (Registration Certificate) transfer to the new state. That way, your liability ends, and the buyer gets proper ownership.

How to Legally Sell Your Diesel Car Post-10-Year Rule

Selling a diesel car after the 10-year mark is still possible if you follow the right process:

• Get an NOC (No Objection Certificate) from your current RTO for inter-state transfer
• Advertise your car in regions where the rule doesn’t apply
• Use platforms like CARS24 to access a wider network of buyers across India
• Ensure proper RC transfer, along with Form 29, Form 30, and a sale agreement
• Clear any pending dues, challans, or loans on the car before listing

Selling Your Diesel Car on CARS24

If you’re short on time or not sure how to handle paperwork, CARS24 can make it really simple for you. With access to buyers across India, including areas where diesel cars are still in demand, we make sure your vehicle gets the best exposure. Here’s how it works:

• Step 1: Use the CARS24 app or website to get an instant valuation of your diesel car.
• Step 2: Book a free inspection at your home or visit the nearest hub.
• Step 3: Once the inspection is done, we give you the best market offer. If you accept, the money is directly transferred to your bank account.
• Step 4: We handle all RC transfers, paperwork, and even offer scrapping services if needed.

Selling your 10-year-old diesel car has never been easier!

Why it’s Better to Sell Before Your Car Turns 10

If your diesel car is 8–9 years old, this is the best time to sell it:

• You’ll get a better resale value than if you wait
• You avoid the last-minute rush and panic
• You still have the option to transfer it legally without hassle

Once the car crosses 10 years, your options shrink, and you may only be left with scrapping it.

Final Thoughts

Owning a diesel car in India today comes with new rules and responsibilities. But with a little planning, you can avoid penalties and still get a decent return. Don’t wait until it’s too late, if your diesel vehicle is approaching the 10-year mark, consider selling it now while it still holds value. And if you want a quick, easy, and fully legal way to sell your car, CARS24 is here to help.