India Proposes Mandatory Advanced Emergency Braking Systems for New Cars from October 2030

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has proposed making Advanced Emergency Braking Systems (AEBS) mandatory for all new passenger car models manufactured from October 1, 2030. The proposed regulation aims to strengthen road safety by introducing technology capable of automatically applying a vehicle’s brakes when it detects an imminent collision.

Under the draft amendments to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, passenger car models already in production would have until October 1, 2032, to comply with the requirement. The proposal forms part of the government’s broader effort to introduce advanced driver-assistance technologies and strengthen vehicle safety standards across India’s automobile industry.

Mandatory Emergency Braking for Passenger Vehicles

The proposed regulation covers M1-category vehicles, which include passenger vehicles designed to carry up to eight passengers in addition to the driver. All newly introduced models in this category would need to incorporate Advanced Emergency Braking Systems conforming to Automotive Industry Standard AIS-185 from October 1, 2030.

The government has proposed a phased implementation schedule to provide automobile manufacturers sufficient time to integrate the technology into their vehicles. While newly introduced passenger car models would come under the requirement in 2030, existing models would need to comply from October 1, 2032. The draft also proposes that M1- and N1-category vehicles equipped with AEBS from October 1, 2028, must meet the prescribed technical standards.

The phased introduction will allow manufacturers to incorporate advanced braking technologies into upcoming vehicle platforms while upgrading existing models. It will also encourage the development of domestic capabilities in automotive electronics, safety sensors and vehicle control systems.

How Advanced Emergency Braking Systems Prevent Accidents

Advanced Emergency Braking Systems use cameras, radar sensors or a combination of detection technologies to continuously monitor the road ahead. These systems assess the distance and relative speed between the vehicle and nearby objects, including other vehicles and certain road users, depending on the system’s capabilities.

When the technology identifies a potential collision, it alerts the driver through visual, audible or other warnings. If the driver fails to respond adequately, the system can automatically activate the brakes to avoid the collision or reduce the force of impact. This intervention is particularly useful in situations where delayed driver reactions could result in an accident.

AEBS differs from conventional safety systems such as airbags and seat belts because it seeks to prevent or mitigate a collision before impact. While airbags and seat belts reduce injuries during accidents, advanced braking technology can intervene before a collision occurs. However, its effectiveness depends on factors such as vehicle speed, sensor performance, visibility, road conditions and the nature of the obstacle.

Additional Safety Technologies for Commercial Passenger Vehicles

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has also proposed introducing additional driver-assistance technologies in M1-category vehicles registered for transport purposes. These measures would extend modern safety capabilities to applicable commercial passenger vehicles and strengthen protection for drivers and passengers.

From October 1, 2029, such vehicles would need to comply with requirements relating to Automatic Command Steering Functionalities under AIS-193. These technologies support electronically controlled steering assistance and form part of the growing range of systems designed to improve vehicle control.

The proposed amendments also include Emergency Lane Keeping Systems, which help drivers avoid unintended lane departures. These systems can detect potentially dangerous movement outside a traffic lane and provide steering assistance to help maintain the vehicle’s intended path.

Another provision concerns Driver Drowsiness and Attention Warning Systems. Such technologies monitor indicators associated with fatigue or reduced driver attention and generate warnings when they identify potentially unsafe driving conditions. Their introduction could contribute to safer commercial passenger transportation, particularly during long-distance journeys.

Strengthening India’s Automotive Safety Standards

India has progressively strengthened automobile safety requirements through regulations covering crash protection, airbags, anti-lock braking systems and other essential vehicle safety equipment. The proposed introduction of Advanced Emergency Braking Systems marks a further shift towards technologies that actively assist drivers in preventing accidents.

Unlike traditional passive safety features, advanced driver-assistance systems continuously evaluate driving conditions and intervene when necessary. This approach combines mechanical braking systems with electronic sensors, software and automated vehicle controls to enhance accident-prevention capabilities.

The proposed regulations also include requirements relating to steering systems, child-restraint anchorages and luggage retention. These measures seek to improve overall occupant protection while establishing technical standards for modern vehicle safety equipment.

The Ministry has proposed compliance with AIS-193 for specified steering systems from October 1, 2027. Additional provisions address ISOFIX child-seat anchorages, i-Size seating positions and luggage retention arrangements in passenger vehicles. Together, these requirements would strengthen both active accident-prevention technologies and conventional occupant-safety systems.

New Opportunities for India’s Automotive Component Industry

The mandatory adoption of advanced emergency braking technology could create opportunities for Indian automobile manufacturers, component suppliers and automotive technology companies. Modern braking assistance systems require radar sensors, cameras, electronic control units, embedded software and specialised braking components.

As automobile manufacturers prepare to meet the proposed standards, demand for these technologies could encourage greater investment in domestic research, engineering and manufacturing. Indian companies specialising in automotive electronics, semiconductor applications, sensor integration and software development may find opportunities in the expanding market for advanced vehicle safety systems.

The transition also aligns with India’s efforts to strengthen domestic automotive manufacturing under the Make in India initiative. Developing indigenous capabilities in vehicle electronics and intelligent safety technologies could help manufacturers improve technological competitiveness while reducing dependence on imported components.

Automobile manufacturers will nevertheless need to undertake extensive engineering modifications, testing and validation before implementing the systems across their product portfolios. The phased compliance schedule provides time for these activities and supports the gradual integration of advanced safety features into different passenger vehicle segments.

Draft Regulations Open for Public Consultation

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways issued the draft notification on October 19, 2026, proposing amendments to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989. The notification was published in the Gazette of India on October 22, 2026, and invites objections and suggestions from stakeholders within the prescribed 30-day consultation period.

Automobile manufacturers, industry associations, technology developers and other interested parties can submit their observations before the government finalises the amendments. The consultation process allows stakeholders to examine technical requirements, implementation schedules and compliance arrangements.

The proposed deadlines of October 2030 for new passenger car models and October 2032 for existing models will become enforceable only after the government issues the final regulations. Until then, the requirements remain part of the draft regulatory framework.

Towards Safer and More Advanced Indian Vehicles

The proposed introduction of mandatory Advanced Emergency Braking Systems represents an important development in India’s automotive safety framework. By establishing a timetable for collision-prevention technologies, the government aims to improve vehicle safety and encourage the wider adoption of intelligent driver-assistance systems.

The initiative could also accelerate innovation in India’s automotive component industry, particularly in electronic sensors, embedded software and advanced vehicle control technologies. Greater domestic expertise in these areas will support the development of technologically sophisticated vehicles and strengthen India’s automotive manufacturing ecosystem.

With a phased regulatory framework and growing industry participation, India is advancing towards a new generation of passenger vehicles equipped with modern accident-prevention technologies. The proposed measures reinforce the country’s long-term commitment to safer mobility, stronger automotive engineering capabilities and improved road safety.

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References

1. Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India: Draft notification G.S.R. 904(E), dated October 19, 2026, published in the Gazette of India on October 22, 2026. Proposed amendments to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989.
2. News On AIR, October 22, 2026: Government proposes mandatory Advanced Emergency Braking Systems for new passenger car models from October 2030.
3. Press Trust of India, October 22, 2026: Government Proposes Mandatory Emergency Braking Systems for New Cars by 2030.
4. The Times of India, October 22, 2026: Cars to Brake on Their Own: Centre Plans AEBS Mandate from October 2030.
5. Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI): Automotive Industry Standards AIS-185 and AIS-193, covering advanced emergency braking and steering assistance systems.

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