The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has notified a comprehensive set of vehicle safety regulations that will reshape how cars are designed and tested in India. The final notification, dated October 19, 2026, introduces revised crash-test requirements, mandatory anti-theft devices, enhanced pedestrian protection and new standards for event data recording. These changes will roll out in phases between October 2027 and October 2032, giving manufacturers time to update vehicle architectures and safety systems.
Frontal and Side Crash Tests Get Stricter
Revised requirements for offset frontal collisions and side collisions will apply to new models from October 1, 2027, and to all covered models from October 1, 2028. An offset frontal collision involves an impact to the vehicle's front corner, while a side collision involves an impact from the side. The updated frontal crash test increases the upper weight limit from 2,500 kg to 3,500 kg, bringing heavier passenger vehicles under the same test regime. The permitted chest compression for the test criterion also reduces from 50 mm to 42 mm, demanding better occupant restraint performance.
A separate frontal-collision requirement focusing on restraint systems such as seat belts and airbags will apply to new models from October 1, 2029, and all covered models from October 1, 2031. For side-impact protection, the revised standard removes an exemption that previously applied to M1 passenger vehicles with a driver-seat reference point higher than 700 mm. This means taller SUVs and MPVs can no longer skip side-impact testing and must meet the same requirements as lower vehicles. The revised side-impact standard also covers M1 vehicles up to 3,500 kg and includes longer electrolyte-leakage checks for electric vehicle batteries, increasing the observation period from 30 minutes to 60 minutes after a side impact. Tests will also assess battery retention and the risk of fire or explosion.
Pedestrian Protection Extended with New Test Tool
Revised requirements for protecting pedestrians and other vulnerable road users will apply to new models from October 1, 2028. The updated pedestrian-protection standard extends its vehicle-weight coverage up to 4,500 kg, meaning heavier electric SUVs also fall within the scope. From October 1, 2032, testing must use the Flexible Pedestrian Leg Impactor (FlexPLI), a tool designed to better represent how a human leg responds when struck by a vehicle. This change aims to assess potential leg injuries more realistically than previous test equipment.
Rear-Impact Safety Covers Fuel Systems and Electric Powertrains
Requirements covering fuel-system protection and electric powertrain safety in rear-end collisions will apply to all models covered by the relevant standard from April 1, 2029. The revised rear-impact standard specifies a test speed of 50 km/h, compared to the current 35–38 km/h. It includes checks for battery or electrical safety, gas leakage for CNG and LPG systems, and the security of fuel tanks and cylinders with their attachments. This is particularly relevant as the market shifts toward larger SUVs and electric vehicles with high-voltage battery packs.
Event Data Recorders and Mandatory Immobilisers
Vehicle-approval requirements relating to event data recorders (EDRs) take effect from October 1, 2029. An EDR records vehicle data associated with a crash, such as speed and braking information. The standard also addresses data retention, power loss and preventing the system from being deactivated. It is important to note that the notification specifies requirements for devices covered by the standard; it does not make EDR installation compulsory in every passenger car.
Immobilisers become mandatory for M1-category passenger vehicles from October 1, 2027. An immobiliser is an anti-theft device that prevents unauthorised starting of the car. The M1 category includes hatchbacks, sedans, SUVs and MPVs with a seating capacity not exceeding nine persons including the driver, and a gross vehicle weight of up to 3,500 kg. This measure is intended to make vehicle theft more difficult.
Foot Controls and Door-Lock Behaviour Updated
Revised requirements for the arrangement and operation of foot controls, such as pedals, will apply to new models from April 1, 2028. The updated standard includes provisions for an optional driver's footrest (dead pedal) and aims to ensure the driver's foot does not get caught between the pedals in a collision. The updated crash-test procedures also address automatic door-locking systems, checking whether doors unlock after an impact, including on the side opposite the impact, to help occupants exit the vehicle more easily.
Bharat NCAP 2.0 and Proposed Automatic Emergency Braking
Separately, a draft Bharat NCAP 2.0 framework has been announced with a proposed effective date of October 2027. The new 100-point score would cover crash protection, pedestrian and road-user safety, safe driving features, accident avoidance technology and post-crash safety. This remains at draft stage and the final version is some way off. In another draft notification dated October 19, 2026, MoRTH has proposed making Advanced Emergency Braking Systems (AEBS) mandatory for M1-category vehicles from October 1, 2030 for new models and October 1, 2032 for all applicable models. Unlike the crash-safety regulations already notified, the AEBS requirement is still a proposal subject to final notification.
What This Means for Car Buyers
The revised regulations could lead to stronger vehicle body structures, improved occupant restraint systems and better protection for pedestrians. Manufacturers may need to undertake additional testing and engineering validation, which could increase compliance and development costs. Any effect on vehicle prices will depend on manufacturer strategies and existing safety equipment. It is also important to understand that mandatory safety compliance and Bharat NCAP star ratings are different. A vehicle meeting the statutory requirements does not automatically qualify for a five-star Bharat NCAP rating.
FAQs
When do the new frontal and side crash-test rules take effect?
The revised frontal and side crash-test requirements apply to new models from October 1, 2027, and to all covered models from October 1, 2028.
Are immobilisers now mandatory on all passenger cars?
Yes, immobilisers become mandatory for M1-category passenger vehicles from October 1, 2027. This category includes hatchbacks, sedans, SUVs and MPVs with up to nine seats and a gross vehicle weight of up to 3,500 kg.
What changes for pedestrian safety testing?
The updated pedestrian-protection standard extends coverage to vehicles up to 4,500 kg and introduces the Flexible Pedestrian Leg Impactor (FlexPLI) as a mandatory test tool from October 1, 2032.
Do the new rules require event data recorders in every car?
The notification sets technical standards for event data recorders effective from October 1, 2029, but it does not make installation compulsory in every passenger car.
How does the rear-impact test change for electric vehicles?
From April 1, 2029, the rear-impact test speed increases to 50 km/h and includes specific checks for electric powertrain safety, battery security and the risk of fire or explosion after a rear collision.
