MoRTH Proposes Mandatory Automatic Emergency Braking in All Cars From October 2030

Quick Read - MoRTH has proposed requiring automatic emergency braking on new car models manufactured from October 2030, with all existing models to comply by October 2032. The draft also sets earlier deadlines for steering, lane-keeping and driver-alert systems.

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has proposed a phased expansion of vehicle safety requirements in India, including the mandatory fitment of Advanced Emergency Braking Systems (AEBS) on passenger cars.

The proposal forms part of a draft amendment to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989. If approved, it would make automatic emergency braking compulsory on new M1-category models manufactured from October 1, 2030, before extending the requirement to all models from October 1, 2032.

The M1 category covers passenger vehicles with up to eight seats, excluding the driver, and includes most cars and SUVs sold in India. The draft is still open to public consultation, so the proposed requirements and deadlines could change before the rules are finalised.

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When Will Automatic Emergency Braking Become Mandatory?

AEBS is an advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) that can apply the brakes when the driver fails to respond to an impending collision. Depending on the situation, it can help avoid an impact or reduce its severity.

The proposed rollout has three key dates.

The earlier 2028 deadline is about standardising systems that are already offered, rather than making AEBS compulsory on every vehicle at that point. The N1 category covers goods vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of up to 3.5 tonnes.

For carmakers, the phased schedule provides time to bring their vehicles in line with the applicable standard. For buyers, it means the requirement would be introduced gradually rather than across the entire new-car market at once.

Steering and Lane-Keeping Rules Could Change Earlier

The draft also covers technologies that can influence a vehicle’s direction, alongside conventional steering requirements.

From October 1, 2027, steering effort on most motor vehicles would need to comply with AIS-193. Motorcycles, invalid carriages and three-wheelers without a steering wheel are exempt under the proposal.

Cars equipped with Automatic Command Steering Functionalities (ACSF) would also have to meet the applicable steering standard from that date. Vehicles fitted with an Emergency Lane Keeping System (ELKS) would need to comply with AIS-191 Part 1.

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The steering-effort requirement would apply to covered motor vehicles, while the ACSF and ELKS provisions initially set compliance standards for vehicles equipped with those systems. These provisions should not be interpreted as requiring every private car to receive automatic steering or lane-keeping assistance from October 2027.

New Requirements Proposed for Taxis

A further deadline applies to M1 vehicles to be registered as transport vehicles, including taxis.

From October 1, 2029, the draft proposes making Automatic Command Steering Functionalities (ACSF) and Emergency Lane Keeping Systems (ELKS) mandatory on M1 vehicles registered as transport vehicles. The draft also proposes mandatory Driver Drowsiness and Attention Warning Systems for M1 transport vehicles manufactured from October 1, 2029.

These provisions concern specified transport vehicles, rather than every privately registered car.

Other Safety Changes in the Draft

The draft also proposes additional requirements for child-restraint anchorages and luggage retention. On vehicles equipped with ISOFIX anchorages, ISOFIX top-tether anchorages and i-Size seating positions, compliance with AIS-182 would be required from October 2027 for new models and October 2028 for all models.

Luggage-retention requirements under IS 15546:2005 would apply from April 2028 to new M1 models and from October 2028 to all M1 models.

Separately, revised braking requirements and electronic stability control for trucks are scheduled for October 2027 under other vehicle-safety measures. These are distinct from the proposed passenger-car AEBS rollout.

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What Happens Next?

MoRTH is inviting objections and suggestions on the draft rules for 30 days before considering the feedback and finalising the amendments.

Until then, the dates remain proposed deadlines, not a completed mandate. The key change is the direction of travel: India is preparing to introduce more standardised braking assistance and requirements for steering, lane-keeping and driver-alert technologies over several years.

Image Source: Nexa Experience