Govt. Moves to Mandate ADAS, AEBS & Stability Systems for CVs

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has issued a draft notification (G.S.R. 184(E)) proposing significant amendments to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules (CMVR), 1989, aimed at enhancing road safety standards for commercial vehicles in India. The amendments, which focus on the mandatory implementation of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), braking technologies, and safety features, are open for public comments for a period of 30 days from the date of publication in the Official Gazette.

Key Highlights of the Draft Notification:

1. Definition of New and Existing Models:
   A “New Model” is defined as a vehicle that receives type approval on or after the implementation date of a new rule, whereas an “Existing Model” is one approved prior to such date but allowed a grace period for compliance.
2. Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS):
   All M2, M3, N2, and N3 category vehicles manufactured on or after April 1, 2026 (for new models) and October 1, 2026 (for existing models) will be required to install:
   1. Driver Drowsiness and Attention Warning System (as per AIS-184)
   1. Blind Spot Information System (as per AIS-186)
   1. Moving Off Information System (as per AIS-187)
3. Mandatory Braking Enhancements:
   1. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS): Compulsory for all M2, M3, N1, N2, N3, and Quadricycle categories as per IS 11852:2019.
   1. Endurance Braking System (Type II A Test): Must be integrated in applicable vehicle categories from April 1, 2026.
   1. Vehicle Stability Function & Advanced Emergency Braking System (AEBS): Required for M2, M3, N2, and N3 categories as per IS 11852:2019 and AIS-162 respectively.
4. Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS):
   Vehicles of M2, M3, N2, and N3 categories must include LDWS conforming to AIS-188 from April 1, 2026 (new models) and October 1, 2026 (existing models).
5. Updated Guidelines for Dimensional Compliance:
   Devices such as rear-view mirrors, rub rails, sensors, and indirect vision equipment will be excluded from the overall vehicle width measurement, provided they fall within prescribed standards.
6. School Bus Safety Update:
   For school buses, the date of implementation for specific safety requirements under Rule 125C has been extended to October 1, 2025.

These amendments reflect the government’s commitment to aligning India’s commercial vehicle safety standards with global norms, particularly as the nation pushes toward Vision Zero and enhanced occupant safety across all transport categories.