To combat the rising problem of air pollution, especially during the winter months, the transport authorities in Delhi NCR have implemented several measures to regulate vehicular traffic. One of the key initiatives is the identification of vehicles based on their fuel type to enforce rules like the ‘odd-even’ scheme or restrictions on older, more polluting vehicles. This is done using a simple, color-coded sticker. So, what is a colour-coded sticker for vehicles in Delhi NCR? It is a third registration mark in the form of a hologram-based sticker that is affixed to your vehicle’s windshield and indicates the vehicle’s fuel type and emission standard. For any vehicle owner in Delhi and surrounding NCR towns in 2026, having this sticker is a mandatory requirement.
What is a Colour-Coded Sticker?
A colour-coded sticker is a chromium-based, self-destructive hologram sticker that is pasted on the inner side of the vehicle’s front windshield. This sticker is part of the High Security Registration Plate (HSRP) system and is often referred to as the ‘third registration plate’. It contains important details about the vehicle, including the registration number, the name of the registering authority, and a laser-etched permanent identification number. The most important feature of this sticker is its background color, which immediately identifies the fuel type of the vehicle to law enforcement authorities.
What Do the Different Colors Mean?
The color of the sticker’s background directly corresponds to the fuel used by the vehicle. This color-coding allows traffic police and transport officials to identify a vehicle’s fuel type from a distance, which is crucial for enforcing pollution-related traffic restrictions. The color scheme is as follows:
| Sticker Colour | Fuel Type | Additional Feature for BS-VI Vehicles |
|---|---|---|
| Light Blue | Petrol and CNG vehicles. | For vehicles that comply with the Bharat Stage VI (BS-VI) emission norms, a green strip of 1 cm width is added at the top of the sticker, regardless of the fuel type. |
| Orange | Diesel vehicles. | |
| Green | Electric Vehicles (EVs) and other vehicles that do not use petrol or diesel. | Not applicable, as the base color itself is green. |
Why is the Colour-Coded Sticker Mandatory in Delhi NCR?
The Supreme Court of India mandated the implementation of colour-coded stickers in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) to aid in the fight against vehicular pollution. The primary reasons for this mandate are:
- Easy Identification of Polluting Vehicles: It helps enforcement agencies to easily spot older, more polluting vehicles (like BS-III or BS-IV diesel cars) that may be banned from plying on the roads during periods of high pollution.
- Effective Enforcement of Restrictions: During measures like the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), when restrictions are placed on diesel vehicles of a certain age, these stickers make enforcement much more effective.
- Promotion of Cleaner Fuels: The distinct green strip for BS-VI vehicles and the green sticker for EVs help in identifying and sometimes incentivizing the use of cleaner vehicles.
- Centralized Data: The sticker is linked to the national vehicle database on the Vahan Parivahan portal, providing a comprehensive and secure identification system.
How to Get a Colour-Coded Sticker for Your Vehicle
The process for getting the colour-coded sticker is linked to the HSRP application process.
- For New Vehicles (purchased after April 2019): The colour-coded sticker is part of the HSRP set and is affixed by the authorized dealer at the time of purchase and registration.
- For Old Vehicles: If your vehicle has an old number plate, you need to apply for a complete HSRP set, which will include the sticker. If your vehicle already has an HSRP but is missing the sticker, you can apply for only the sticker.
The application process is online:
- Visit the authorized HSRP booking portal (like bookmyhsrp.com). You can also find links on the main Parivahan portal.
- Choose the option ‘Only Colour Sticker’ or ‘HSRP with Colour Sticker’ as per your requirement.
- Enter your vehicle’s registration number, chassis number, and engine number.
- Select a convenient dealer location for the fitment.
- Pay the fee online and book an appointment slot. The order ID for this process is important, similar to a Book My HSRP order ID.
- Visit the dealer on the scheduled date to get the sticker affixed.
Having all your vehicle documents in order, including a valid Fitness Certificate for commercial vehicles, is crucial to avoid any legal troubles while driving in the NCR.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is the colour-coded sticker mandatory for vehicles registered outside of Delhi but plying in Delhi NCR?
Yes, the rule applies to all vehicles that are plying on the roads of Delhi NCR, regardless of where they are registered. If you frequently travel to Delhi or other NCR towns, it is mandatory to have the sticker to avoid a challan.
2. What is the penalty for not having a colour-coded sticker in Delhi NCR?
Driving a vehicle in Delhi NCR without a valid colour-coded sticker (along with HSRP) is a punishable offense under the Motor Vehicles Act. The traffic police can issue a challan for a significant amount, which can be up to ₹5,500 or more.
3. I have a CNG kit in my petrol car. What color sticker should I have?
For vehicles that can run on both petrol and CNG, the colour-coded sticker will be Light Blue, as this category covers both petrol and CNG vehicles.
4. What is a BS-VI vehicle and why does it have a green strip?
Bharat Stage VI (BS-VI) is the latest and most stringent emission standard for vehicles in India, equivalent to the Euro 6 standards. Vehicles compliant with BS-VI norms are significantly less polluting than their BS-IV predecessors. The green strip on the sticker is to visually identify these ‘cleaner’ vehicles.
5. My sticker got damaged. How can I get a new one?
If your windshield is replaced or the sticker is damaged, you need to apply for a new one. You can do this through the same online HSRP portal by providing your vehicle details and paying the nominal fee for a replacement sticker.