🚘 BS6 Phase 2 Rules Now in Effect – What It Means for Car Owners!
India’s push for cleaner air continues. Starting April 1, 2023, the government implemented BS6 Phase 2 emission norms, a stricter version of the Bharat Stage 6 standard. Now, in 2025, all new vehicles sold in India must comply with BS6 Phase 2, changing the game for both car manufacturers and owners.
But what exactly is BS6 Phase 2? And how does it affect you as a car buyer or owner?
Let’s break it down.
🧪 What Is BS6 Phase 2?
BS6 (Bharat Stage 6) is India’s emission standard – similar to Europe’s Euro 6 norms.
Phase 2 takes it a step further by:
Enforcing real-time emissions testing (RDE – Real Driving Emissions)
Introducing stricter limits on pollutants like NOx, PM, and CO2
Mandating on-board diagnostics (OBD) systems for all vehicles
Simply put: it ensures that what cars emit on the road is as clean as what they show in the lab.
🔧 Key Changes in BS6 Phase 2:
| Feature | Before (BS6 Phase 1) | Now (BS6 Phase 2) |
|---|---|---|
| Emissions tested in lab only | ✅ | ❌ |
| Emissions tested on road (RDE) | ❌ | ✅ |
| OBD (On-board Diagnostics) | Limited | Mandatory |
| Engine tuning | Regular | Stricter, more controlled |
| Impact on price | Minimal | Slightly higher due to tech |
🚗 How It Affects Car Owners:
✅ 1. Cleaner Cars on the Road
Expect lower emissions and reduced air pollution, especially in metro cities.
🔧 2. Better Engine Health Monitoring
With mandatory OBD-II systems, your car can now monitor and alert you to:
Engine faults
Emission-related issues
Fuel system problems
💰 3. Slightly Higher Car Prices
Cars complying with BS6 Phase 2 are priced a bit higher (~₹15,000–₹50,000 extra), due to added tech.
🛠️ 4. Costlier Maintenance?
Some high-end emission tech (like particulate filters and sensors) may increase long-term maintenance costs.
❓Should You Upgrade Your Car?
If your current car is BS4 or older, it’s time to think ahead.
Reasons to consider upgrading:
Stricter re-registration rules for older cars (especially diesels)
Higher resale value for BS6 models
Lower emissions = lower environmental impact
📣 Important for Diesel Car Owners:
BS6 Phase 2 has had a greater impact on diesel engines, which require more advanced tech like SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) and DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter).
Result? Many brands have phased out smaller diesel cars due to rising costs.
🧠 Final Thoughts
BS6 Phase 2 is a strong step towards a greener, cleaner India. While it might bring a small cost hike, the benefits — cleaner air, better health, smarter vehicles — are worth it.
Whether you’re buying new or holding onto your current car, it’s important to stay informed and prepared for the next wave of automotive regulations.