AVAS mandatory for all new electric vehicles from October 2026

India to mandate Acoustic Vehicle Alerting Systems in all new EVs from Oct 2026; existing models must comply by Oct 2027 to boost pedestrian safety

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has announced that all new electric vehicles in India will be required to be fitted with an Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS) starting October 1, 2026. The rule will apply to private and commercial vehicles under categories M and N, as well as E‑rickshaws and E‑karts. Existing models already on the road will have until October 1, 2027 to comply with the regulation.

The decision aims to improve pedestrian safety by addressing one of the key challenges posed by electric mobility—near‑silent vehicle operation. Unlike conventional vehicles, EVs produce minimal noise, which can make it difficult for pedestrians and other road users to detect their approach, particularly in crowded urban areas. This lack of sound has been linked to accidents, prompting the ministry to introduce mandatory AVAS installation.

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AVAS is a safety feature that uses external speakers to generate artificial sounds that vary with vehicle speed. These sounds are designed to alert pedestrians and cyclists, especially when vehicles are moving at low speeds or reversing. By ensuring that EVs are audible in such scenarios, the system enhances awareness and reduces the risk of collisions.

The latest draft notification, now open for public feedback for 30 days, expands the scope of the mandate. In addition to categories M (passenger cars and buses) and N (trucks and goods carriers), the requirement will also cover L5 and L7 vehicles. L5 includes three‑wheelers such as auto‑rickshaws for passenger or cargo transport, while L7 refers to heavy quadricycles, four‑wheeled vehicles often used for utility or cargo purposes.

With this move, India is aligning its EV safety standards with global practices, ensuring that the transition to cleaner mobility does not compromise road safety.

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