Overview

• MoRTH’s draft sets phased compliance for AVAS: new models from October 1, 2026 and existing models from October 1, 2027, with comments invited by October 27.
• The requirement covers electrified Category M and N vehicles used for passengers or goods, excluding electric two-wheelers, three-wheelers and e-rickshaws.
• AVAS would activate automatically below 20 km/h and when reversing, emitting a sound that scales with speed and switching off at higher speeds.
• Officials cite pedestrian safety research indicating higher collision risk from quieter EVs at low speeds as the rationale for the rule.
• The draft arrives alongside proposals to drop mandatory spare tyres for vehicles with tubeless tyres and a PM E-DRIVE plan to deploy about 72,300 public chargers with BHEL as the implementation agency.