The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways issued draft rules on September 23, 2025, to amend the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989. The notification invites objections and suggestions from the public within thirty days before final consideration.
The amendment introduces a new provision under Rule 120. From October 1, 2026, for new models, and October 1, 2027, for existing models, all electrified vehicles in categories M and N must be equipped with an Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS). This system will follow the audibility requirements specified in AIS-173, which may be updated from time to time. The purpose of AVAS is to ensure road safety by making silent electric vehicles more audible to pedestrians and other road users.
The amendment also updates Rule 138. It replaces the words “M1” with “M1, L5, L7, E-rickshaw and E-cart.” This expansion ensures better traffic regulation for various vehicle categories, including electric rickshaws and carts. These draft rules will come into effect once published in the Official Gazette.