The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has unveiled a draft proposal to mandate Advanced Emergency Braking Systems (AEBS) in passenger vehicles across India. Under the new rules, all new car models introduced from October 1, 2030, would be required to feature AEBS, with the mandate extending to all models manufactured from October 1, 2032.
AEBS is a critical driver-assistance technology designed to enhance road safety. It actively detects potential frontal collisions and automatically applies the brakes if the driver fails to react, thereby mitigating the risk or severity of an accident. Currently, this advanced safety feature is typically available only in vehicles equipped with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).
Phased Implementation and Vehicle Categories
The draft notification, issued on October 19, 2026, proposes amendments to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989. It specifically targets M1-category vehicles, which primarily encompass passenger cars. These vehicles, manufactured from the specified dates, would need to be fitted with AEBS conforming to the Automotive Industry Standard (AIS).
Furthermore, the proposal states that M1 and N1-category vehicles manufactured from October 1, 2028, if already equipped with AEBS, must comply with AIS-185. N1 vehicles include goods vehicles with a maximum mass of up to 3.5 tonnes, indicating a broader push for commercial vehicle safety as well.
Addressing Unique Indian Road Conditions
While AEBS offers significant safety benefits, the ministry's proposal acknowledges a unique challenge in India: motorists often disable AEBS and other auto-braking features. This is largely due to the country's chaotic traffic conditions, where sudden, close-proximity maneuvers are common, leading to a perceived risk of being rear-ended if the system engages unexpectedly.
Broader Safety Initiatives
The mandatory AEBS is part of a comprehensive set of vehicle safety enhancements outlined in MoRTH's notification. Other proposed measures include new requirements for steering effort, automatic command steering functionality, emergency lane-keeping systems, luggage retention, and child-restraint systems. Additionally, driver drowsiness and attention warning systems are slated to become mandatory for M1-category vehicles registered as transport vehicles from October 1, 2029, alongside emergency lane-keeping systems.
The ministry has opened the draft rules for public consultation, inviting objections and suggestions within 30 days of the notification's publication in the Gazette. These proposals will be thoroughly reviewed before final consideration and implementation.