Mandatory Advanced Emergency Braking System proposed for all passenger cars by October 2032

MoRTH has proposed making Advanced Emergency Braking Systems mandatory on all passenger vehicles by October 2032, with a phased rollout beginning in 2028 for equipped models.MoRTH has proposed mandatory automatic emergency braking in all passenger cars by October 2032.New Delhi,Oct 23, 2026 14:12 ISTThe Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has proposed a phased introduction of Advanced Emergency Braking Systems (AEBS) in passenger vehicles, with the safety technology set to become compulsory across all M1 category vehicles from October 1, 2032, if the draft rules are approved.Under the proposed schedule, AEBS will be required in all new M1 category models manufactured from October 1, 2030. The mandate will subsequently cover existing models from October 1, 2032. M1 vehicles are passenger vehicles with no more than eight seats, excluding the driver's seat.The proposal forms part of a wider set of amendments to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules (CMVR), 1989, aimed at strengthening vehicle safety standards in India. The draft notification has been opened for public consultation, with stakeholders given 30 days to submit their objections and suggestions.AEBS compliance rules to begin in 2028The draft lays out an earlier compliance requirement for vehicles already equipped with Advanced Emergency Braking Systems. From October 1, 2028, M1 passenger vehicles and N1 light goods vehicles fitted with AEBS will have to comply with AIS-185, the applicable Automotive Industry Standard. The N1 category includes goods vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of up to 3.5 tonnes. AEBS uses sensors and other detection technologies to identify potential collisions and automatically apply the brakes when the driver does not react in time. Depending on the situation, the system can help prevent an accident or reduce the impact of a collision.The proposed rollout allows manufacturers time to prepare for the new requirements before the technology becomes compulsory across the passenger vehicle segment. The move also aligns with the government's broader objective of reducing road accidents and fatalities by 50% by 2030, a target frequently highlighted by Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari.Steering and lane-keeping systems to face new requirements The proposed amendments extend beyond automatic braking to cover steering-related safety technologies. From October 1, 2027, steering effort across motor vehicles will have to meet AIS-193 requirements. Motorcycles, invalid carriages and three-wheelers without a steering wheel are proposed to be exempt from this provision.Passenger vehicles equipped with Automatic Command Steering Functionalities (ACSF) will also need to comply with the relevant standard from the same date. Vehicles fitted with an Emergency Lane Keeping System (ELKS) will be required to meet AIS-191 (Part 1).The draft further proposes making ACSF and ELKS compulsory for M1 category vehicles registered as transport vehicles from October 1, 2029. This provision is expected to have a direct bearing on taxis and other passenger transport vehicles. Drowsiness detection and driver-attention warning systems are also expected to become mandatory for this segment, according to a report by The Times of India.Truck and bus safety requirements already in the pipelineThe proposed passenger vehicle regulations come alongside a separate push to increase safety equipment in commercial vehicles. New truck and bus models are scheduled to receive Advanced Emergency Braking Systems from January 2027, as reported by The Times of India.Other technologies slated for these vehicles include blind-spot information systems, moving-off information systems, driver-drowsiness detection and warning systems, and lane-departure warning systems. These features are intended to address risks associated with vehicle blind spots, driver fatigue and unintended lane changes.The government has also set out plans for revised braking requirements for trucks from October 1, 2027, along with electronic stability control (ESC). The latter is designed to help drivers maintain control when a vehicle begins to lose stability, including during braking and cornering.V2V communication could add another layer of safetyMoRTH has also proposed introducing vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication in newly manufactured vehicles from October 1, 2028. The technology allows vehicles to exchange information such as their speed, position and direction, potentially helping drivers and onboard safety systems identify developing hazards.V2V communication could complement ADAS technologies by providing additional information about nearby vehicles. Alongside automatic braking, lane-keeping assistance and driver-monitoring systems, it forms part of the government's broader effort to bring more advanced safety technology into India's vehicle fleet.The AEBS proposal is currently at the draft stage. Its final scope and implementation dates will depend on the outcome of the consultation process and the government's subsequent decision on the amendments.Subscribe to Auto Today Magazine - Ends