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No More Sneaky EVs, Electric Cars to Get Pedestrian Warning Sounds from 2026
The Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highway (MoRTH) has mandated electric vehicles to be equipped with Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System.
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Grab Offer Now The Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has amended the Central Motor Vehicles Rules (CMVR), 1989, introducing a safety mandate for electric vehicles (EVs).In order to address the risk posed by silent engines powering electric vehicles, the government has made the Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS) mandatory for 'M' and 'N' electric vehicle categories. Electric vehicles, unlike its Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) counterparts, operate almost silently at low speeds. It poses a significant risk to pedestrians, especially to children, cyclists and differently abled people with disabilities. The introduction of AVAS would add an auditory cue for all people, allowing them to detect approaching traffic.
Notify me Under the new amendment to Rule 120, all electrified vehicles in the following categories must be equipped with AVAS:
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- Category M: Motor vehicles with at least four wheels used for carrying passengers (e.g., cars, buses).
- Category N: Motor vehicles with at least four wheels used for carrying goods (e.g., trucks, delivery vans).
Implementation Timeline
As per the ministry, the rollout of AVAS will be done in a phased manner, allowing automakers to integrate the technology in their cars. New models must comply with the mandate from October 2026, while older cars can be retrofitted or updated and be compliant by October 2027.
In addition to that, the amendment states that the AVAS must meet the audibility requirements outlined in Automotive Industry Standard (AIS)-173, which dictates the frequency and volume levels of the sound emitted by the vehicle to ensure it is recognisable as a moving motor vehicle.
“Provided also that on and after the 1st day of October 2026 in case of new models, and the 1st day of October 2027 in case of existing models, electrified vehicles of category M and N shall be fitted with Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System confirming to the requirements with regard to audibility as specified in AIS-173, as amended from time to time, till the corresponding BIS specifications are notified under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016 (11 of 2016),” the notification stated.
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Policy Framework
A consultation process for the mandatory AVAS requirement was initiated in September last year, after the draft amendments were issued to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules. The draft notification further invited suggestions and objections from stakeholders as well as people who were most likely going to be affected by the changes proposed.
The rules that were drafted were made available to the masses on September 25, 2025. The feedback received from the public during the consultation period was reviewed and reassessed by the government before finalising the amendment.
