The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has proposed making Advanced Emergency Braking Systems (AEBS) mandatory for new M1 passenger vehicle models under a draft notification dated 19 October 2026. The proposal outlines 1 October 2030 as the compliance date for M1 passenger vehicles, with an earlier date of 1 October 2028 for M1 and N1 vehicles already fitted with AEBS. The proposed requirements are not yet finalised.
AEBS is an advanced safety system that can detect potential collisions and automatically apply the brakes when necessary. It is currently available mainly in cars equipped with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). If the proposal is adopted, the requirement could expand its use across new passenger car models.
What is proposed in the Draft Notification by MoRTH?
New models manufactured from October 1, 2030, must have AEBS.
From two years later, October 1, 2032, it extends to all models, including those already in production.
The system must conform to AIS-185.
It covers M1 vehicles, meaning passenger vehicles with up to eight seats besides the driver. That includes most cars and SUVs on sale today.
Taxis may get extra requirements like drowsiness and attention-warning systems.
| Proposed date | Proposed requirement |
|---|---|
| 1 October 2028 | M1 passenger vehicles and N1 light goods vehicles fitted with AEBS must comply with AIS-185. |
| 1 October 2030 | AEBS mandatory for all new M1 passenger vehicle models. |
| 1 October 2032 | AEBS mandatory for all M1 passenger vehicle models, including existing models in production. |
What is AIS-185?
AIS stands for Automotive Industry Standard. These are technical standards that set how vehicle systems must be built and tested in India. They are published by the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) on behalf of the Automotive Industry Standards Committee, and they work alongside MoRTH’s rules.
AIS-185 is the standard for AEBS. In simple terms, it decides what counts as a proper emergency braking system.
What AEBS actually does
AEBS stands for Advanced Emergency Braking System. It’s a safety feature that watches the road ahead and brakes when the driver doesn’t.
Here’s how it works:
Sensors like radar and a front camera track the vehicle or object ahead.
If the gap closes too fast, the system warns the driver with a beep, a light or a vibration.
If the driver still doesn’t react, the car brakes by itself.
The aim is to avoid the crash or reduce the impact of a collision. Even a slower impact can mean fewer injuries and less damage.
How AEBS helps motorists
Covers distraction: A glance at the phone or a moment of tiredness is enough to cause a rear-end crash. AEBS reacts when you don’t.
Helps in traffic: Stop-and-go roads see a lot of low-speed bumps. These add up in repair bills.
Protects pedestrians and cyclists: Many systems can detect them too, depending on the car.
Useful on highways: Sudden slowdowns ahead are a major risk at speed, and reaction time matters most there.
Driver stays in control: Reports say drivers can override the system with steering input or hard acceleration.
Effect on Car Insurance
The draft says nothing about premiums, and insurers haven’t announced any changes, as this is just a proposal and not official yet. Here’s how it can potentially affect car insurance premiums:
Fewer claims: If AEBS cuts rear-end collisions, own-damage claims could drop over time.
Higher repair costs: Radar and camera sensors sit behind bumpers and windscreens. A minor bump can mean an expensive sensor recalibration.
Pricing impact: Cars may cost more upfront, which raises the insured declared value (IDV) and the premium.
Insurer response: Some insurers may provide discounts for additional safety features in the car.
What happens next
The draft will be considered after 30 days from the date Gazette copies are made available to the public. Carmakers and the public can send objections and suggestions in that window. The final rules may differ from the draft.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is AEBS mandatory in cars in India right now?
No. It’s a proposal in a draft notification. It becomes law only after MoRTH considers public comments and notifies the final rules.
When will AEBS become mandatory for new cars?
Under the draft, from October 1, 2030 for new models and October 1, 2032 for all models.
What is AEBS in a car?
AEBS is a system that detects a possible collision and brakes automatically if the driver doesn’t respond, to avoid the crash or lessen its impact.
Will AEBS make cars more expensive?
The draft doesn’t mention pricing. Adding sensors and software can raise costs, but the impact on final prices isn’t confirmed.
What do M1 and N1 mean?
M1 are Passenger vehicles with up to eight seats besides the driver. This covers most cars and SUVs sold in India and N1 are light goods vehicles with a gross weight of up to 3.5 tonnes, such as small pickups and mini trucks.
