The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has announced a proposal to make Acoustic Vehicle Alerting Systems (AVAS) mandatory for all electric vehicles starting October 1, 2027, in a bid to strengthen road safety.

AVAS to Become a Standard Safety Feature

According to the ministry’s draft notification, all new models of electric passenger cars, buses, and trucks manufactured after October 1, 2026, will be required to have AVAS installed. This safety technology produces an artificial sound to alert pedestrians and nearby road users about the presence of otherwise silent electric vehicles.

The ministry highlighted that vehicles falling under category M (passenger vehicles) and category N (goods vehicles) must comply with AVAS standards as specified in AIS-173, which will be updated from time to time.

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Timeline for Implementation

For new EV models, the mandate will take effect from October 2026, while for existing models, the requirement will be enforced starting in October 2027. This phased rollout aims to give automakers sufficient time to integrate the technology into their vehicles without disrupting production schedules.

Why AVAS Matters for Road Safety

Unlike traditional fuel-based vehicles, electric vehicles are nearly silent, especially at low speeds. This poses potential risks for pedestrians, cyclists, and visually impaired individuals who often rely on engine sounds to sense approaching traffic. With AVAS, India will join other global markets where sound-emitting systems in EVs have already been made mandatory to reduce road accidents and improve urban safety.