MoRTH Vehicle Safety Standards Amendment 2026: New AIS Rules & Deadlines

A vehicle may look ready for the market, but does it meet the latest safety requirements? For automobile manufacturers in India, this question has become more important following a new notification from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).

Through Notification S.O. 5723(E), dated 19 October 2026, the Ministry has amended several vehicle safety requirements relating to frontal crashes, side collisions, pedestrian protection, electric powertrains, vehicle security systems and Event Data Recorders (EDRs). The notification was published in the Gazette of India on 21 October 2026.

The important point for manufacturers is that these requirements do not all start on the same date. Some revised Automotive Industry Standards (AIS) will apply to new vehicle models from October 2027, while others will take effect in stages until 2032.

This means automobile manufacturers need to check their vehicle categories, understand the revised standards and plan the relevant testing and approval activities before the applicable deadlines.

The MoRTH Vehicle Safety Standards Amendment 2026 is particularly relevant for businesses developing new passenger vehicles, manufacturers updating existing models and companies supplying safety-related vehicle systems.

Understanding the changes early can help businesses avoid confusion over which standards apply and when they must be followed.

Notification at a Glance

The notification has been issued under Section 109(3) and Section 110(1)(k) of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, read with Rule 124(1) of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989.

Important: The notification was published in October 2026, but this does not mean every revised technical standard became mandatory that month. Manufacturers must follow the implementation date, and applicability conditions stated for each requirement.

Understanding the Vehicle Safety Rules in India

Before looking at the new requirements, it helps to understand how vehicle safety compliance works in India.

The Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989 provide the legal framework for vehicle regulation. Within this framework, the government specifies technical standards that apply to different vehicles and their systems.

Many of these standards are known as Automotive Industry Standards (AIS).

An AIS standard may deal with how a vehicle performs during a crash, the design of a particular safety system or the testing needed to establish compliance with technical requirements.

For example, one standard may address passenger protection during a frontal collision, while another deals with pedestrian safety, or vehicle security.

Manufacturers must identify the standards applicable to their vehicle types and follow the relevant legal and technical requirements.

What Has the Government Changed?

The October 2026 notification makes amendments to the earlier government notification S.O. 1365(E), dated 13 December 2004.

It replaces specified entries relating to vehicle safety standards and introduces revised provisions with different implementation dates.

The changes cover:

• Occupant protection during frontal and side collisions.
• Pedestrian and vulnerable road user safety.
• Fuel-system and electric-powertrain safety in rear collisions.
• Frontal collision restraint systems.
• Event Data Recorder requirements.
• Mandatory immobiliser fitment for M1-category vehicles.
• Revised requirements for vehicle foot controls.

The amendment does not introduce a separate universal AIS registration or certification process for all automobile businesses.

Instead, it changes particular technical requirements within India's existing vehicle safety framework.

Which Vehicles Are Covered Under the MoRTH Safety Amendment 2026?

One of the first things manufacturers should check is whether the new requirements apply to their vehicle category.

Different vehicle types have different safety requirements. A provision for a passenger car should not automatically be treated as a requirement for every bus, truck, two-wheeler or electric vehicle.

India's vehicle classification framework includes the following categories:

The notification expressly refers to M1-category vehicles in the provisions relating to mandatory immobilisers and revised foot control arrangements.

It also refers to M and N category vehicles for certain alarm-system and immobiliser requirements.

For several collision safety requirements, however, the notification refers to vehicles specified in the relevant AIS standard.

That distinction matters.

A manufacturer cannot decide whether a requirement applies simply by looking at the title of the standard. The complete vehicle category and applicability conditions must be checked.

What About Electric Vehicles?
Electric vehicles are not automatically exempt from general vehicle safety requirements.

Where an electric vehicle falls within a category covered by an applicable AIS standard, the manufacturer must assess the relevant obligations.

The amended rear-impact safety requirement under AIS-101 (Rev. 1) is particularly important because it addresses electric-powertrain safety as well as fuel-system protection.

However, the notification should not be confused with the separate rules governing electric vehicle batteries, battery waste management or EPR registration.

What Are the New AIS Vehicle Safety Requirements in 2026?

The amendment covers several technical standards. Each one deals with a different safety concern and has its own compliance timeline.

Revised Frontal Collision Safety Requirements Under AIS-098 (Rev. 1)
A frontal collision is one of the situations for which vehicle safety systems must be assessed.

AIS-098 focuses on protecting occupants during an offset frontal collision.

An offset collision happens when only part of the vehicle's front section takes the main impact. Because the force is not spread equally across the front of the vehicle, the vehicle structure and occupant-protection systems have an important role in reducing injury risks.

Under the revised notification, AIS-098 (Rev. 1) will apply from:

• 1 October 2027 for new models.
• 1 October 2028 for all applicable models.

The earlier AIS-098/2008 standard continues according to its stated transition conditions.

For automobile manufacturers, the change means that relevant new vehicle development programmes should be reviewed against the revised standard before the October 2027 date.

Manufacturers of models already in production must also consider the October 2028 implementation requirement where applicable.

This may involve examining vehicle structural design, occupant-protection systems, crash-testing arrangements and technical compliance evidence.

The actual testing conditions and performance criteria must be taken from AIS-098 (Rev. 1), rather than assumed from the Gazette's short description.

New Side-Impact Safety Requirements Under AIS-099 (Rev. 1)
Side collisions can create serious risks for passengers because the impact occurs closer to the vehicle's seating area.

AIS-099 deals with occupant protection during a lateral or side collision.

The government has introduced the revised AIS-099 (Rev. 1) standard with the following implementation dates:

• New models: 1 October 2027.
• All applicable models: 1 October 2028.

The revised standard replaces the earlier applicable AIS-099/2008 requirement according to the notified transition dates.

For manufacturers, this creates another compliance milestone.

Businesses developing new vehicle models should review the applicable side-impact protection requirements while planning their vehicle design and testing activities.

Manufacturers should also check whether the technical evidence supporting existing models needs to be reviewed or updated under the applicable approval rules.

The notification does not itself provide detailed crash-test measurements. These must be established from the relevant final AIS standard.

Pedestrian Safety Requirements Under AIS-100 (Rev. 1)
Vehicle safety is not only about passengers sitting inside the vehicle. It also concerns people walking on or near roads.

A collision between a motor vehicle and a pedestrian can result in serious injuries, particularly when the front of the vehicle strikes the person's legs or other parts of the body.

AIS-100 addresses the protection of pedestrians and other vulnerable road users during collisions with motor vehicles.

The October 2026 amendment introduces AIS-100 (Rev. 1) for vehicles specified in the standard.

The notification provides two important dates:

• 1 October 2028: Implementation of the revised standard for specified new models.
• 1 October 2032: Mandatory use of the FlexPLI testing tool under the relevant pedestrian protection requirement.

What Is FlexPLI Testing?
FlexPLI stands for Flexible Pedestrian Leg Impactor.

It is a specialised testing device used to assess how the front of a vehicle may affect a pedestrian's lower leg during a collision.

The test helps evaluate injury-related responses, particularly those involving the leg and knee.

The government has provided a later implementation date for mandatory use of this testing tool.

This means vehicle manufacturers should distinguish between the introduction of the revised pedestrian protection standard and the subsequent FlexPLI testing requirement.

Businesses developing vehicles covered by AIS-100 (Rev. 1) should review both provisions while planning their technical testing activities.

The notification does not expressly give a separate all-model implementation date for the revised AIS-100 entry.

Rear-Impact Safety for Fuel Systems and Electric Powertrains Under AIS-101 (Rev. 1)
What happens to a vehicle's fuel system or electric powertrain when another vehicle strikes it from behind?

This is the safety concern addressed by AIS-101 (Rev. 1).

A rear collision can affect systems located within or near the impact area. Depending on the vehicle's design, damage to a fuel system or electric powertrain can create additional safety risks.

The government has introduced revised requirements concerning the protection of these systems in rear-impact conditions.

Implementation date: 1 April 2029 for all applicable models.
For conventional fuel-powered vehicles, manufacturers need to consider the fuel-system protection provisions covered by the standard.

For electric vehicles, the relevant electric-powertrain safety requirements must be assessed.

The actual obligations depend on the technical standard and vehicle category.

For businesses manufacturing electric vehicles or supplying related systems, this is an important requirement to include in product development and testing plans.

It does not, however, create a new standalone licence for electric vehicle manufacturers or battery suppliers.

Frontal Collision Restraint System Requirements Under AIS-201
The notification also introduces AIS-201, which concerns occupant protection during frontal collisions with a focus on restraint systems.

Restraint systems help protect vehicle occupants by managing their movement during a collision.

For manufacturers, the design and performance of these systems form an important part of vehicle safety.

The implementation dates under the notification are:

These dates give manufacturers different timelines depending on whether the model is newly introduced, or falls within the broader all-model requirement.

Businesses should review the final AIS-201 standard to understand its technical scope, performance criteria and applicable testing conditions.

Specific requirements concerning individual restraint-system components should not be assumed without examining the relevant standard.

Event Data Recorder Requirements Under AIS-192
The government has also included a requirement relating to Event Data Recorders (EDRs).

An EDR is a vehicle system that records specified information associated with certain events, such as a collision.

The information can be useful when investigating an accident or assessing how the vehicle's safety systems performed.

Under the notification, AIS-192 has an implementation date of 1 October 2029.

The published AIS-192 standard covers approval of M1-category vehicles with regard to their Event Data Recorders.

For affected manufacturers, this means EDR compliance should be considered as part of the relevant vehicle approval and technical development process.

The standard deals with specific event-related data requirements. It should not be confused with a general vehicle tracking or continuous surveillance system.

The published AIS-192 standard also identifies information excluded from its scope, including location and driver-identifying information.

Manufacturers should refer to the official standard for the precise data requirements and technical conditions.

Mandatory Immobilisers for M1 Vehicles Under AIS-076
Vehicle security is another area covered by the amendment.

An immobiliser is an electronic security system designed to prevent unauthorised operation of a vehicle.

For example, an immobiliser can prevent a vehicle from starting unless the appropriate authorisation mechanism is recognised.

The notification introduces mandatory immobiliser fitment for M1-category vehicles from 1 October 2027, with reference to AIS-076.

The earlier provision covered vehicle alarm systems and immobilisers for M and N category vehicles if fitted.

The new entry is different because it expressly makes immobiliser fitment mandatory for M1 vehicles from the specified date.

Manufacturers of M1 category passenger vehicles need to check the applicable security system requirements before the October 2027 implementation date.

The Gazette does not separately state new-model and all-model dates for this particular entry.

Revised Foot Control Requirements Under AIS-035 (Rev. 1)
The amendment also updates requirements relating to vehicle foot controls.

Foot controls are the controls operated by the driver's feet, such as accelerator and brake pedals.

Their arrangement and operation matter because they affect how drivers control a vehicle.

The notification introduces revised AIS-035 (Rev. 1) requirements for the arrangement and mode of operation of foot controls.

For M1-category new models under the relevant entry, the implementation date is 1 April, 2028.

The notification also makes a corresponding change to Table A for new models from the same date.

Manufacturers should examine whether the revised requirements affect their control arrangements, and technical approval documentation.

The previous AIS-035:2006 provisions continue according to their stated transitional conditions.

Complete Implementation Timeline: Vehicle Safety Standards 2027-2032

For automobile manufacturers, the most useful part of the notification is knowing which requirement applies and when.

The following table brings the main deadlines together.

Source: MoRTH Notification S.O. 5723(E), published on 21 October 2026.

The table should be treated as a planning reference, not as a substitute for reading the relevant standard.

Manufacturers must confirm the vehicle category, model classification and exact applicability conditions before determining their compliance obligations.

Old vs New Automotive Safety Standards: What Has Changed?

Several revised requirements build on standards that already existed.

This is important because the amendment does not mean every earlier vehicle safety standard stopped applying in October 2026.

The notification also retains historical entries concerning steering-impact requirements, steering-mechanism behaviour during head-on collisions and side-door impact protection.

These include IS 11939:1996, AIS-096/2008 and IS 12009:1995, subject to the conditions stated in the amended entries.

The earlier standards and their respective implementation histories should not be confused with the newly introduced future dates.

For manufacturers, the most important distinction is between an existing requirement, a revised technical standard and a new implementation milestone.

Vehicle Type Approval and Automotive Homologation in India

Before a vehicle can be introduced into the market, manufacturers must address the vehicle approval requirements applicable under India's motor vehicle regulatory framework.

Vehicle type approval, commonly discussed as part of automotive homologation, involves assessing a vehicle type against the applicable technical and regulatory requirements.

These may cover safety, performance, emissions and other matters depending on the vehicle category.

The Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) provides vehicle certification and type approval facilities for different vehicle categories.

Manufacturers should check the relevant approval route, and testing requirements for their products.

How Do the Revised AIS Standards Affect Vehicle Approval?
The October 2026 notification updates technical standards referenced under the existing regulatory framework.

Where a revised standard becomes applicable to a vehicle, manufacturers need to assess its implications for testing and type approval.

This may require reviewing whether existing vehicle designs and technical evidence meet the updated standard.

The exact approval procedure will depend on the applicable vehicle category, governing rules and technical requirements.

The notification does not establish a new universal certification portal, registration procedure or fixed approval fee for the revised standards.

Will Existing Vehicle Approvals Need to Be Updated?
This depends on the vehicle, the revised requirement and the applicable approval rules.

A manufacturer should not assume that every existing approval automatically becomes invalid because a revised standard has been notified.

Equally, an existing approval should not be assumed to satisfy a later revised technical requirement without reviewing the applicable transition and approval conditions.

Manufacturers should confirm the position with the relevant approval authority, or recognised testing organisation where necessary.

Does the Notification Introduce New Testing Fees?
Notification S.O. 5723(E) does not prescribe a new schedule of testing fees or consultancy charges.

Actual costs may vary depending on the type of vehicle, required technical testing, approval route and services involved.

Businesses seeking vehicle testing or homologation services should obtain a scope-specific assessment rather than relying on a general cost estimate.

How Will the New Vehicle Safety Standards Affect Businesses?

The amended requirements can have different implications for different businesses within the automotive industry.

Automobile Manufacturers
For manufacturers, the main task is to identify which new requirements apply to their vehicle models.

Businesses developing passenger vehicles may need to consider revised collision protection standards, vehicle security requirements and other applicable safety provisions.

The staggered implementation dates also mean that a manufacturer may have different compliance deadlines for different models or safety systems.

Reviewing these requirements during product development can help reduce the risk of discovering a technical gap close to an implementation date.

Electric Vehicle Manufacturers
Electric vehicle manufacturers should pay particular attention to the revised electric-powertrain safety requirements under AIS-101 (Rev. 1).

Other collision safety provisions may also apply, depending on the vehicle category and the scope of the relevant standard.

Manufacturers should distinguish these vehicle safety requirements from separate EV battery, environmental and waste management regulations.

Automotive Component Manufacturers
Businesses supplying vehicle structures, electronic security systems, restraint-related components or other safety-related products may be indirectly affected.

Vehicle manufacturers may need updated components, technical specifications or supporting evidence to satisfy revised vehicle-level requirements.

However, S.O. 5723(E) should not be interpreted as automatically creating an independent certification requirement for every component supplier.

Vehicle Importers and Overseas Manufacturers
Foreign manufacturers and businesses importing vehicles into India should assess whether the amended standards apply to their vehicle types under the relevant Indian approval framework.

The notification does not itself create a general restricted import licence requirement.

Import policy, vehicle approval and other applicable compliance requirements should be assessed separately.

Automotive Testing and Approval Organisations
The future implementation dates may influence the planning of testing and assessment activities.

Affected manufacturers may need to coordinate their programmes with relevant testing and approval organisations.

The practical implications will depend on the applicable standards, testing arrangements and regulatory procedures.

What Should Automobile Manufacturers Do Before the Deadlines?

The notification gives manufacturers time to assess their requirements, but the appropriate preparation will depend on their vehicle programmes.

A useful compliance approach is to address the following areas.

• Identify the Vehicle Category: Start with the vehicle's correct regulatory classification. This helps determine whether a particular provision applies to an M1 vehicle, another passenger vehicle category or a goods vehicle.
• Review the Applicable AIS Standards: Identify the standards that apply to each affected model. Do not assume that all the standards in the notification apply to the same vehicle.
• Check the Correct Implementation Date: Confirm whether the standard applies to new models, all applicable models or a separately defined group. The deadlines should be recorded against the relevant vehicle programmes.
• Review Vehicle Design and Technical Evidence: Manufacturers should consider whether existing design information, testing evidence and approval documents address the revised requirements. Where the technical standard introduces changed requirements, further assessment may be necessary.
• Plan Relevant Testing and Approval Activities: If a revised requirement affects the vehicle's testing or approval position, the manufacturer should plan the necessary technical work. This may involve coordination with appropriate laboratories or vehicle approval organisations.
• Maintain a Compliance Calendar: A model-specific compliance calendar can help engineering, product development and regulatory teams work against the applicable deadlines. 

The calendar should be updated when a relevant standard or official notification changes. These actions are practical compliance recommendations. They are not a separate mandatory application procedure created by the October 2026 notification.

Common Compliance Mistakes Manufacturers Should Avoid

The most serious compliance problems can begin with a misunderstanding of what a notification actually requires.

• Treating every new standard as immediately applicable: The October 2026 publication date is not the implementation date for every revised requirement.
• Ignoring the distinction between new and existing models: Some standards have different deadlines for new models and all applicable models.
• Applying every requirement to every vehicle: The scope of each AIS standard must be checked separately.
• Using an earlier technical standard without checking its transition date: Manufacturers need to understand when an older requirement gives way to a revised version.
• Confusing vehicle fitness testing with homologation: Routine vehicle fitness testing and new-vehicle type approval are different regulatory activities.
• Assuming a new AIS standard creates a separate BIS certificate: A notified AIS requirement does not automatically mean that a manufacturer must obtain a separate BIS certification under an unrelated scheme.
• Leaving technical preparation until the deadline: Where design changes or additional testing are required, late assessment can create operational difficulties.

The notification does not introduce a new standalone table of fines or penalties for these specific amendments. Any statutory consequence must be assessed under the relevant governing provisions.

How Corpseed Can Help with Vehicle-Related Compliance

Vehicle-related businesses often deal with several regulatory requirements, depending on whether they manufacture vehicles, operate testing facilities or undertake other automotive activities.

Understanding the correct legal requirement is important before beginning a registration, approval or compliance process.

Corpseed provides regulatory consultancy services across several business sectors and has a published service for Vehicle Testing Centre setup.

Businesses interested in establishing a vehicle testing centre can explore Corpseed's Vehicle Testing Centre service for information about setup-related requirements and available assistance.

It is important to distinguish this service from automotive crash-testing and new-vehicle homologation. The October 2026 Gazette concerns vehicle safety standards, whereas vehicle fitness testing centres operate under their own regulatory requirements.

Manufacturers seeking automotive compliance services, vehicle type approval assistance or homologation consultancy should first confirm the exact support available for their project.

Professional consultancy may help businesses understand applicable processes, but hiring a consultant is not itself a mandatory requirement under this Gazette notification.

Planning an automotive or vehicle-related regulatory project?

Contact Corpseed to discuss the nature of your business, the compliance requirement and the available service options.

Website: www.corpseed.com
Contact: +91 75586 40644

Key Takeaways

The MoRTH Vehicle Safety Standards Amendment 2026 changes several safety requirements for specified vehicles in India.

The changes relate to frontal and side-impact protection, pedestrian safety, rear-impact protection for fuel systems and electric powertrains, restraint systems, Event Data Recorders, immobilisers and foot controls.

The implementation dates begin in October 2027 and continue in stages until October 2032.

For automobile manufacturers, the important task is not simply to know that a new notification has been issued. They must understand which standards apply to their vehicle models, when each requirement takes effect and whether their existing technical compliance arrangements need to be reviewed.

Businesses should also distinguish between mandatory legal requirements and recommended preparation measures.

Early regulatory assessment can support more organised product development and testing plans while reducing the risk of misunderstanding the applicable requirements.