KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Govt plans to mandate AVAS system in electric vehicles
- New vehicle by 2026 and exisiting to incorporate till 2027
- Two wheeler exempted for now
The Ministry of Road Transport has issued a draft notification proposing the mandatory use of Acoustic Vehicle Alerting Systems (AVAS) in electric passenger and commercial vehicles. This move, aimed at improving road safety, will be phased in over the next two years. By October 2026, all newly developed EV models must be equipped with AVAS, while existing models in production will need to comply by October 2027. Read on to find out more details on what this latest development revolving around pedestrian safety is about, but before that, make sure to join the 91wheels WhatsApp Community, specifically curated for petrolheads like us to keep up with the latest news and automotive updates.
Also Read- Chery Tiggo 8 SUV Patented In India: Launch On The Horizon?
Why Acoustic Vehicle Alert System (AVAS) Matters
Electric and hybrid vehicles operate almost silently, particularly at low speeds, making them harder to detect for pedestrians, cyclists, and other road users. This quietness, while desirable for comfort, poses safety risks, especially for vulnerable groups like children, senior citizens, and the visually impaired. The Acoustic Vehicle Alert System or AVAS addresses this gap by emitting artificial but non-intrusive sounds at lower speeds, alerting people to an approaching vehicle.
Under the proposed rules, AVAS will automatically activate when vehicles travel at speeds up to 20 km/h. The sound profile will follow the AIS-173 standards set by the Bureau of Indian Standards, ensuring it is audible without being disruptive. The system will not be required at higher speeds, where tire and wind noise naturally provide sufficient cues of a moving vehicle.
Also Read- Mercedes C Class AMG, GLC, GLC AMG Recalled Over Steering Issues
Coverage & Scope: 2Wheeler Exemption & More
The mandate applies to M-category passenger vehicles (cars, buses) and N-category goods vehicles (trucks, commercial vans). Although the current draft does not cover two-wheelers, three-wheelers, or e-rickshaws, the ministry has hinted at expanding the scope to L5 and L7 categories in the future. Experts have raised concerns about their exclusion, given that silent electric scooters and three-wheelers are also involved in frequent pedestrian mishaps. The notification also introduces a provision to remove the mandatory spare tyre requirement for vehicles fitted with tubeless tires. While this could benefit carmakers as the cost will go down and also might free up space in the boot for some extra storage, I still feel that a spare tyre should not be removed, as it is a pretty solid safety net in case things go south in the middle of your journey.
Verdict
The draft Acoustic Vehicle Alert System mandate marks an important step in aligning India's EV safety standards with global norms. While the move will certainly improve road safety, particularly in crowded urban environments, the exclusion of two- and three-wheelers leaves a critical gap that must be addressed. If implemented thoughtfully, AVAS could build greater confidence among road users and accelerate the safe adoption of electric mobility in India.
