India’s Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has proposed mandatory emergency braking for passenger cars, with Advanced Emergency Braking Systems (AEBS) required on newly manufactured M1 models from October 1, 2030 and on all M1 models from October 1, 2032. The draft amends the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, and is open for public consultation for 30 days.
Autocar Professional reported the proposal on October 23, 2026. The article does not give an exact closing date for comments. M1 vehicles are passenger vehicles with up to eight seats excluding the driver.
What Does the Mandatory Emergency Braking Proposal Require?
From October 1, 2028, AEBS-equipped M1 and N1 vehicles (goods vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes) must meet the AIS-185 standard. AEBS then becomes compulsory on new M1 models from October 1, 2030, and on all M1 models, including existing ones, from October 1, 2032.
Which Other Safety Systems Are in the Draft?
From October 1, 2027, steering effort must comply with AIS-193, with motorcycles, invalid carriages and steering-wheel-less three-wheelers proposed as exempt. M1 vehicles with Automatic Command Steering Functionalities must also meet AIS-193 from that date, and Emergency Lane Keeping Systems must comply with AIS-191 (Part 1).
From October 1, 2029, ACSF and ELKS become mandatory for M1 vehicles registered as transport vehicles such as taxis. Drowsiness and attention-warning systems are also proposed for these vehicles. Vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication is proposed as mandatory on all newly manufactured vehicles from October 1, 2028.
How Would Trucks and Buses Be Affected?
For commercial vehicles, new truck and bus models would need AEBS from January 2027. Blind-spot information, moving-off information, driver-drowsiness detection and lane-departure warning systems would also become mandatory. A revised truck braking standard and electronic stability control (ESC) would take effect from October 1, 2027.
Market Reaction and Industry Response
No statements from carmakers, the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers or component makers on the draft were found at the time of writing. The provisions remain subject to consultation, and the ministry has said it will consider objections and suggestions before finalising the rules.
What Happens Next?
The 30-day consultation period is the next step. After that, MoRTH will review feedback and decide the final rules and dates. Manufacturers and suppliers of radar, camera and braking systems will be watching whether the 2030 and 2032 deadlines survive the consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
When would emergency braking become mandatory in Indian cars?
Under the draft, AEBS would be mandatory on newly manufactured M1 passenger car models from October 1, 2030 and on all M1 models from October 1, 2032.
Is the rule final?
No. It is a draft under the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, open for public consultation for 30 days, and the ministry will consider objections before finalising it.
Does the draft cover trucks and buses?
Yes. New truck and bus models would need AEBS from January 2027, along with blind-spot, drowsiness and lane-departure systems.
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