News, 26 March 2025
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has issued a draft notification stating that starting in April 2026, all new vehicles designed to carry more than eight passengers will be mandated to include a form of Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS). This requirement will apply to a range of vehicles, including cars, SUVs, trucks, and buses.
The necessary ADAS features will include an Advanced Emergency Braking System (AEBS), a driver drowsiness and attention warning system (DDAWS), and a lane departure warning system (LDWS). Vehicles introduced after April 2026 must be equipped with these safety technologies, while existing models are required to implement them by October 2026.
In addition, MoRTH has suggested significant amendments to the Central Motor Vehicle Rules (CMVR) to incorporate these safety features and make ADAS a requirement. These measures are intended to enhance road safety and enable automatic braking in situations where the driver does not react promptly.
The draft also stipulates that both mini and regular buses, as well as trucks produced after the specified date, must be equipped with the aforementioned safety features. Among the proposed changes to the CMVR is the addition of a blind spot monitoring system for larger vehicles, which will aid drivers in avoiding collisions with motorists and pedestrians that may be in areas they cannot easily see.
