Identifying BS-VI Vehicles: How India Is Separating Clean Cars from Polluting Ones

The fight against urban air pollution saw a significant change in April 2020 when India adopted Bharat Stage-VI (BS-VI) emission standards. The goal of BS-VI standards, which are essentially the same as Euro-VI regulations, is to significantly lower harmful vehicle emissions, especially nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter (PM), and fuel sulphur content. However, proper identification and enforcement of BS-VI compliance on the ground are just as important to successful implementation as requirements on paper.

What Makes BS-VI Vehicles Different?

Advanced emission-control technology are incorporated into the design of BS-VI automobiles. Diesel vehicles are outfitted with Diesel Particulate Filters (DPF) and Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) systems, whilst petrol vehicles usually have enhanced catalytic converters and onboard diagnostic (OBD-II) systems. Furthermore, ultra-low sulphur (10 ppm) in BS-VI fuel allows for cleaner combustion and lessens secondary pollutants.

How Authorities Identify BS-VI Vehicles

Vehicle registration information is the main means of identification. Vehicles classified as BS-VI must have a registration date of April 2020 or later, and their Registration Certificate (RC) specifically states “BS-VI” under emission regulations. VAHAN database integration is used by traffic enforcement and transport authorities, enabling quick verification via number plates or RCs with QR codes.

On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) is another crucial tool. Improved OBD systems in BS-VI cars continuously track emission performance and notify authorities during inspections. Additionally, as BS-VI cars are made especially for low-sulfur fuel, fuel compatibility checks aid in indirectly identifying BS-VI compliance.

Role of Technology and Enforcement

Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras are being used more often in India, particularly in cities that have Graded Response Action Plans (GRAP). During pollution emergencies, these devices can identify older, non-compliant cars that are entering prohibited areas. Additionally, BS-VI vehicles must pass more stringent Periodic Pollution Under Control (PUC) testing, which guarantee actual emission compliance as opposed to merely laboratory certification.

Why This Separation Matters

For targeted policy measures like selective bans, congestion pricing, and green mobility incentives, it is essential to distinguish BS-VI vehicles from older, polluting ones. It guarantees that enforcement concentrates on the most polluting sources and that cleaner vehicles are not unfairly penalised. Over time, this boosts public trust in environmental laws and speeds up fleet modernisation.

FAQs

Q1. How can a vehicle owner check if their vehicle is BS-VI compliant?
Check the Registration Certificate (RC) or verify details on the VAHAN portal, where the emission norm is clearly mentioned.

Q2. Are all vehicles registered after April 2020 BS-VI?
Yes, all new vehicles registered from April 1, 2020 onwards must comply with BS-VI norms.

Q3. Can BS-IV vehicles be upgraded to BS-VI?
No, BS-IV vehicles cannot be retrofitted to fully meet BS-VI standards due to fundamental design differences.

Q4. Why do BS-VI diesel vehicles require DPF regeneration?
DPFs trap particulate matter and require periodic regeneration to burn off accumulated soot, especially during highway driving.

Q5. Are BS-VI vehicles completely non-polluting?
No, they still emit pollutants, but at significantly lower levels compared to BS-IV and earlier vehicles.

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About the Author: Jyoti Verma