Automatic emergency braking could soon become a standard feature on every passenger car in India. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has released a draft proposal to make Advanced Emergency Braking Systems (AEBS) compulsory for all M1 category vehicles from October 1, 2032. This category covers vehicles meant for carrying passengers, with seating for no more than eight people besides the driver.
The move is part of a draft amendment to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules (CMVR), 1989.
AEBS is one of the features that fall under advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). It steps in during an emergency when the driver fails to brake, automatically slowing or stopping the car to help avoid an impact or soften its effect.
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The ministry has proposed bringing in the rules gradually. The first step comes on October 1, 2028, when M1 and N1 vehicles that already offer AEBS will have to meet AIS-185, India's industry standard for the technology. N1 refers to goods carriers that weigh up to 3.5 tonnes in total.
Two years later, from October 1, 2030, AEBS would be required on every new M1 model made. Then, from October 1, 2032, it would apply to all M1 models, including those already being produced.
People familiar with the plans told The Times of India that the staggered dates allow carmakers and buyers time to adjust.
Part Of A Road Safety Goal
The proposal supports the government's target of halving road accidents and the deaths they cause by 2030. Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari has spoken about this goal on several occasions.
Rama Pandey, an automobile and mobility expert, told The Times of India that such systems could especially help commercial drivers who are on the road for long stretches. “By shifting more safety-critical and fatigue-inducing driving decisions to automated systems, ADAS could make driving safer and less strenuous,” Pandey said.
Steering And Lane-Keeping Rules
The draft also sets out rules for steering and lane-keeping technologies. From October 1, 2027, the effort needed to steer any motor vehicle will have to follow AIS-193. Motorcycles, invalid carriages and three-wheelers without a steering wheel will be exempt. From the same date, M1 vehicles equipped with Automatic Command Steering Functionalities (ACSF) must also meet this standard, and those with an Emergency Lane Keeping System (ELKS) will need to follow AIS-191 (Part 1).
MoRTH is accepting public comments on the draft for 30 days. The ministry will review all objections and suggestions before finalising the rules.
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