India proposes mandatory emergency braking for all new cars

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has issued a draft notification proposing that Advanced Emergency Braking Systems (AEBS) become mandatory for all new passenger car models sold in India starting October 1, 2030. Models already in production prior to that date would be required to comply by October 1, 2032.

The AEBS technology, a component of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), uses sensors such as radar, cameras, and LiDAR to detect obstacles and automatically apply brakes if a driver fails to react to an imminent collision. The proposal targets M1 category vehicles, which include most passenger cars and SUVs.

The draft also outlines several other safety milestones. By October 1, 2027, steering effort on motor vehicles must conform to specific industry standards. Additionally, Automatic Command Steering Functionalities (ACSF) and Emergency Lane Keeping Systems (ELKS) are expected to become mandatory for transport vehicles, such as taxis, by October 1, 2029. MoRTH will consider public objections and suggestions for 30 days before finalizing the rules.