The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has proposed making Advanced Emergency Braking Systems (AEBS) mandatory for new car models from October 1, 2030, as part of measures aimed at improving road safety.
Under a draft notification, the ministry has proposed that all existing car models that continue to be manufactured after the new-model deadline must comply with the requirement from October 1, 2032.
The proposal applies to M1-category vehicles, which broadly include passenger vehicles with no more than eight seats in addition to the driver’s seat. The vehicles would be required to have AEBS conforming to Automotive Industry Standard AIS-185, as amended from time to time.
AEBS is a safety technology that automatically applies the brakes when a driver fails to respond to an emergency. The system is designed to help avoid a collision or reduce its impact.
The draft rules will be considered after 30 days from the date the notification is published in the Gazette of India and made available to the public.
How could the proposed AEBS mandate affect motorists?
Paras Pasricha, head of motor insurance at Policybazaar, said the proposed mandate could influence both road safety and motor insurance costs over time.
He said wider adoption of AEBS could help reduce accident-related claims and the severity of losses by preventing some collisions or reducing their impact. However, he noted that the technology could also increase repair costs when accidents occur.
AEBS relies on components such as sensors, cameras and radar, some of which are fitted in vulnerable areas, including bumpers and windscreens. Damage to these components could require replacement or recalibration, potentially making repairs more expensive.
According to Pasricha, the overall effect on motor insurance claims costs will depend on how the systems perform under real-world conditions. Insurers will be able to assess their impact on risk and pricing as more vehicles adopt the technology and claims data accumulates.
Other vehicle safety measures
The ministry has also outlined measures to improve braking performance and vehicle stability, particularly for trucks.
A revised braking standard for trucks is scheduled to become mandatory from October 1, 2027. Electronic Stability Control (ESC) systems, under AIS-162, are also set to become mandatory for trucks from the same date. These systems help maintain vehicle stability, including during braking and cornering.
The proposed AEBS requirement for passenger cars is part of the broader effort to strengthen vehicle safety standards and reduce the risk and severity of road accidents.
-With PTI inputs