New Delhi / What are the timings, penalties, exemptions for odd-even scheme in Delhi?

The third edition of odd-even starts today as the pollution levels peaked to a three-year high in the national capital. Introduced in 2016, the odd-even scheme is a car rationing system. Under the scheme, only vehicles with even registration numbers will be allowed on roads today. Implemented by Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, the odd-even scheme will apply to all non-transport four-wheeled vehicles plying on roads in Delhi.

Twenty-nine categories of vehicles, including those of President, Prime Minister, emergency and enforcement vehicles, cars carrying school children in uniform have been exempted from the odd-even scheme.

As the odd-even scheme kicks off today, Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal urged every citizen to follow the car rationing scheme for the sake their health and family.

"Do follow odd-even for the sake of your health, your children's health and your family's breath. Share car, this will help increase friendship, build relationships, save petrol and reduce pollution," Kejriwal wrote on Twitter.

Here's all you need to know about Delhi government's odd-even scheme

1) Under the scheme, the vehicles with odd last digit in the registration number will be allowed on roads on odd dates and those with even last digit will ply on even dates. The rule will be applicable in Delhi from 8 am to 8 pm, except on Sundays. The third edition of odd-even scheme will run till November 15.

2) The odd-even scheme will apply to all non-transport four-wheeled vehicles and even those coming in from other states.

3) Kejriwal government has exempted two-wheelers from odd-even scheme. "Women driving alone, cars having all women as occupants and women accompanied by children aged less than 12 years" will also be exempted. Delhi government will allow vehicles used for medical emergencies during the 12-day long odd-even scheme. Private vehicles carrying school children are also allowed on roads during the implementation of odd-even car rationing system based on "trust", said Arvind Kejriwal.

4) There’s a long list of VIPs who will be exempted from the odd-even scheme. The list includes: The vehicles of the President, Vice-President, Prime Minister, state governors, Chief Justice of India, Speakers of the Lok Sabha, Union ministers, and leaders of the Opposition of both the Houses, Supreme Court judges, chairman of UPSC, chief election commissioners and CAG, deputy chairman of Rajya Sabha and deputy speaker of Lok Sabha and lieutenant-general of NCT/Delhi and judges of high court and members of the Lokayukta. Enforcement vehicles and defence vehicles will also be exempted. Electric vehicles are also exempted.

5) There will be no exemption for the vehicles of Delhi government ministers and the chief minister. Privately owned CNG vehicles will not be exempted this time.

6) A hefty amount of ₹4,000 will be charged for the violation of odd-even scheme which will run from November 4-15. Earlier, the penalty was ₹2,000 for the violation. Delhi government has decided to hike the penalty as per the amended Motor Vehicle Act.

7) Cab aggregators Uber and Old will deactivate surge pricing during the implementation of the odd-even scheme. Ride-hailing major Ola will work closely with its driver-partners to ensure maximum availability of vehicles during peak hours.

Auto rickshaw drivers are being asked to go by the meter prices when odd-even scheme will be rolled out, said Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal.

8) A study by the University of Chicago has revealed that the previous edition of Odd-Even had lowered pollution by 15%, said Kejriwal. "Delhi is doing everything from distributing two masks each to every household to implementing the odd-even scheme in the national capital," Kejriwal added.

9) The Signature Bridge, which connects Wazirabad to East Delhi, will remain closed from November 5 to 14 when the odd-even scheme will be rolled out.

10) As many as 2,000 additional buses will be deployed on roads during November 4-15. All cluster buses will also be deployed along with the entire fleet of DTC buses, said Delhi government.

To ensure that not a single person face inconvenience during the implementation of odd-even scheme, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) will conduct 61 additional trips during the 12-day odd-even scheme.