New Delhi: The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has proposed making the acoustic vehicle alerting system (AVAS) mandatory for all electric cars, buses, and trucks with effect from October 1, 2027, keeping road safety in mind.
The ministry in a draft notification, said that all new models of electric passenger and goods vehicles manufactured after October 2026 must be equipped with AVAS, a safety feature in EVs to emit an artificial sound to alert pedestrians and other road users about their presence.
“Provided also that, on and after 1st October 2026 in case of new models and 1st October 2027 in case of existing models, electrified vehicles of category M and N shall be fitted with AVAS meeting requirements concerning audibility as specified in AIS-173, as amended from time to time,” the notification said.
An AVAS emits a gentle sound when electric or hybrid vehicles are moving at low speeds. Unlike petrol or diesel vehicles that naturally produce engine noise, electric vehicles are almost silent, making them harder for pedestrians—especially children, the elderly, and visually impaired individuals—to detect. This raises the risk of accidents.
AVAS bridges that gap by alerting people in the vehicle’s path. This move aligns with global safety standards and promises to benefit every road user by providing early audio cues of an approaching vehicle.
The rule is proposed to roll out in two phases:
- New models: From October 1, 2026, all new electric vehicles in the M and N categories must have AVAS.
- Existing models: From October 1, 2027, manufacturers must retrofit AVAS into current models already in production.
The sound will adhere to AIS-173 standards set by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), ensuring it’s noticeable but not disruptive.
Which Vehicles Are Covered?
- M Category: Passenger vehicles (cars, buses).
- N Category: Goods vehicles (trucks, commercial vans).
The updated rule also mentions L5, L7, e-rickshaws, and e-carts, suggesting these may soon be included, improving safety in the three-wheeler and last-mile transport segments.
This is still a draft. The Ministry has invited suggestions and objections from the public and industry stakeholders within 30 days.
