The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has taken a major step toward safer roads in India. A draft notification dated October 19, 2026 proposes making Advanced Emergency Braking Systems mandatory for all new passenger car models from October 1, 2030. For models already in production before that date, the requirement kicks in from October 1, 2032. This move targets M1 category vehicles, which cover regular passenger cars, and requires compliance with the AIS-185 standard.
The announcement comes as part of a broader push to reduce road accidents. Government data shows accidents rose 5.3 percent to over 5.13 lakh in 2025, with 21 lives lost every hour. The ministry aims to halve accidents and fatalities by 2030. The draft rules will be considered after 30 days from their publication in the Gazette of India.
What is Advanced Emergency Braking System
AEBS is a safety technology that automatically applies the brakes when the driver fails to react to an imminent collision. Sensors monitor the road ahead for vehicles, pedestrians, or obstacles. If a crash risk is detected and the driver does not brake in time, the system intervenes to either avoid the impact or reduce its severity. Unlike forward collision warning which only alerts the driver, AEBS takes autonomous action.
Timeline for Implementation
The regulation creates two clear deadlines. New car models launched on or after October 1, 2030 must have AEBS from day one. Existing models that continue production past that date get a two-year extension and must comply by October 1, 2032. This phased approach gives manufacturers time to integrate the technology across their lineups while ensuring new platforms are compliant immediately.
Technical Standard AIS-185
The mandate references AIS-185, the Automotive Industry Standard that defines performance requirements for AEBS in India. This standard aligns with global UN regulations and covers test procedures for vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-pedestrian scenarios. Manufacturers must validate their systems against these benchmarks before selling compliant vehicles.
Parallel Safety Measures for Trucks
The same notification introduces stricter braking norms for medium and heavy trucks. A revised braking standard takes effect from October 1, 2027. Electronic stability control systems conforming to AIS-162 also become mandatory for trucks from that date. These systems help maintain stability during emergency braking, especially on curves.
How This Compares Globally
India's 2030 timeline for passenger cars follows similar mandates elsewhere. The European Union required AEBS on new models from 2022 and all vehicles from 2024. Japan mandated it from 2021 for new models. The United States finalized a rule making automatic emergency braking standard on cars and light trucks by September 2029. India's schedule allows more lead time but sets a clear regulatory path.
Impact on Car Buyers
For anyone planning a car purchase in the coming years, this regulation means future vehicles will come with an additional layer of active safety as standard equipment. Buyers should expect AEBS to appear in specifications and brochures well before the deadline as manufacturers phase it in. The system works in the background and requires no driver activation, though understanding its capabilities and limitations remains important.
What Happens Next
The draft notification enters a consultation period. Stakeholders including manufacturers, safety experts, and the public can review and comment. After the 30-day window following Gazette publication, the ministry will finalize the rules. Car makers will then align their product plans to meet the 2030 and 2032 deadlines.
The government's push for zero road fatalities includes identifying 100 high-accident districts for targeted intervention. Mandating AEBS is a technology-driven complement to enforcement and behavior-change efforts. For Indian car buyers, it signals that the safety baseline for new vehicles is rising steadily.
