India is set to implement a significant upgrade to its automotive safety standards, with the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) proposing to make Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) communication systems mandatory in all new vehicles from October 1, 2028. This move is designed to revolutionize road safety by allowing cars, buses, trucks, and two-wheelers to exchange real-time data, ultimately preventing accidents and establishing a connected transportation network.
Understanding V2V Communication
Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) communication technology enables nearby vehicles to wirelessly share crucial information such as speed, position, direction, and acceleration. This constant data exchange allows vehicles to alert drivers, or their onboard safety systems, to potential dangers well before they become visually apparent.
Unlike traditional safety features that rely on cameras, radar, or driver reaction, V2V extends a vehicle's awareness beyond the driver's line of sight. For instance, a vehicle can receive warnings about sudden braking several cars ahead, an approaching emergency vehicle obscured by traffic, or an unsafe lane change, even if these hazards are hidden by other vehicles or road curves. This technology is expected to complement existing Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and support the evolution of intelligent mobility.
Phased Implementation Roadmap
MoRTH has outlined a two-stage implementation plan for vehicles across categories L (two-wheelers), M (passenger vehicles), and N (commercial vehicles). The proposed timeline is as follows:
- From October 1, 2027: All vehicles equipped with V2V communication systems must comply with the new AIS-230 standard.
- From October 1, 2028: It will become mandatory for all newly manufactured vehicles in categories L, M, and N to be fitted with V2V communication systems that conform to the AIS-230 standard.
This staggered approach aims to provide vehicle manufacturers and other industry stakeholders sufficient time to adapt to the new regulations and integrate the technology effectively.
Introducing AIS-230: India's V2V Standard
AIS-230 is India's dedicated technical standard for Vehicle-to-Vehicle communication systems. It defines the minimum technical, functional, environmental, performance, and cybersecurity requirements for V2V technology operating on Indian roads. The standard is specifically designed around factory-installed On-Board Units utilizing Cellular Vehicle-to-Everything (C-V2X) technology within the 5.875 GHz to 5.925 GHz frequency band.
The Department of Telecommunications previously exempted the use of this spectrum from licensing requirements in June 2026, clearing the path for widespread deployment. AIS-230 covers vital aspects including radio performance, receiver sensitivity, GNSS positioning, electrical performance, electromagnetic compatibility, and secure communications protocols.
Enhanced Safety Features
The AIS-230 standard facilitates the introduction of several connected safety applications, which can be rolled out in phases to further enhance road safety:
- Emergency Brake Alert: Notifies following vehicles of sudden braking ahead.
- Forward Collision Warning: Alerts drivers to potential front-end collisions.
- Wrong-way Driving Alert: Warns drivers of vehicles traveling against the flow of traffic.
- Emergency Vehicle Alert: Informs drivers of approaching emergency vehicles, even when not visible.
Collectively, these features are intended to significantly improve drivers' situational awareness and provide earlier warnings during critical safety scenarios.
Foundation for Future Connected Mobility
This proposal stems from recommendations by a government-appointed Task Force on Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), which advocated for the adoption of the 5.9 GHz ITS/V2X frequency range to bolster road safety nationwide. The Central Motor Vehicles Rules–Technical Standing Committee reviewed AIS-230 in May 2026, leading to its current proposal as the technical foundation for national implementation.
If adopted, this framework will represent one of India's most substantial regulatory steps towards connected vehicles. Beyond its immediate impact on reducing accidents, it is expected to support future intelligent transport applications, strengthen vehicle situational awareness, and mitigate accident risks through continuous, real-time communication between vehicles. The draft notification is currently open for public consultation, with MoRTH reviewing feedback within 30 days before issuing the final notification.