Odd-Even Rule in Delhi: 9 Things You Need to Know

As a part of a raft of measures taken by the Delhi government to curb the increasing menace of pollution in the National Capital, including a temporary ban on the registration of larger diesel-powered cars, sports-utility vehicles and minivans, the odd-even rule is set to be introduced from Friday. But you might not be aware of a lot of salient features from the new formula that could just save you from the trouble. Here, we list the most crucial ones. 

1. From Jan 1 to 15, those driving cars with license plates ending with an even number will only be allowed on the roads on even-numbered dates. Those driving cars with license plates ending in an odd figure will be allowed on the roads on the other days.

2. The rules apply from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and anyone caught breaking them will incur a 2,000 rupee ($30) fine. The rule isn’t applicable on Sundays. 

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3. Women driving alone or accompanied by children under the age of 12, are exempt, as are cars driven by the physically disabled.

4. Two-wheeled motors, basically motorcycles and scooters, as well as hybrid and electric cars and vans that run on compressed natural gas, will be allowed to drive without restriction.

5. Green-and-yellow auto rickshaws and black-and-yellow taxis will run uninterrupted on Delhi roads.

6. Cars with diplomatic and defence ministry license plates, the army, police, and some officials’ cars, including those belonging to the president, vice president and prime minister’s convoys, will be allowed to move through Delhi whenever they choose. Transport department vehicles and paramilitary force motors will also have unfettered access to the roads.

7. Exemption in the case of emergency, disabled persons, patients, etc.

8. All school students in Delhi are excused from school during the 15-day pilot.

9. When the pilot is over, Delhi authorities will take stock, CM Arvind Kejriwal has said. He added that the odd-even driving plan might be enforced whenever Delhi’s air quality reaches hazardous levels in future, a policy already followed in Beijing.