cmv_logo

Ad

Ad

Government Proposes Mandatory Sound System for E-Rickshaws and E-Karts to Improve Pedestrian Safety


By Robin Kumar AttriUpdated On: 08-Jan-2026 09:12 AM
noOfViews9,167 Views

Follow Us:follow-image
Read In
Shareshare-icon

ByRobin Kumar AttriRobin Kumar Attri |Updated On: 08-Jan-2026 09:12 AM
Share via:

Follow Us:follow-image
Read In
noOfViews9,167 Views

The government plans to make sound systems mandatory for e-rickshaws and EVs from October 2026 to improve pedestrian safety and reduce accidents caused by silent electric vehicles.
Govt Proposes Mandatory Sound System for E-Rickshaws
Govt Proposes Mandatory Sound System for E-Rickshaws

Key Highlights

  • AVAS mandatory for new EVs from October 1, 2026.

  • Existing EVs get time till October 1, 2027.

  • E-rickshaws and e-karts added under L5 and L7.

  • The rule applies to M, N, L5, and L7 categories.

  • Public feedback invited within 30 days.

The Government of India has taken a key step to improve road safety by proposing mandatory sound systems for electric vehicles that currently run almost silently. In a fresh draft notification, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has proposed extending the use of the Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS) to e-rickshaws and e-karts, along with other electric vehicles.

AVAS to Become Mandatory from October 2026

According to the draft notification, all new electric vehicles across multiple categories will be required to be fitted with AVAS from October 1, 2026. For existing electric vehicles, the government has provided an additional one-year window, allowing compliance by October 1, 2027.

Earlier, the AVAS requirement mainly covered electric vehicles under the M and N categories. The new proposal expands this list by adding L5 and L7 vehicle categories, bringing e-rickshaws, e-karts, and heavy quadricycles under the mandatory safety rule.

Why the Government Is Making This Change

Electric vehicles do not produce engine noise like petrol or diesel vehicles. While this makes them eco-friendly, it also increases the risk of accidents, especially for pedestrians, cyclists, and visually impaired people who rely on sound to sense approaching vehicles. The new rule aims to reduce such risks by ensuring EVs emit an audible warning sound.

What Is an Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS)?

An Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS) is a safety feature installed in electric and hybrid vehicles. It uses external speakers to generate sound when the vehicle is moving at low speeds or in reverse. The sound changes with speed, helping pedestrians and nearby road users detect the vehicle’s presence in time.

Vehicle Categories Covered Under the Proposal

  • Category M: Electric passenger vehicles such as cars and buses

  • Category N: Electric goods vehicles and cargo trucks

  • L5 Category: Three-wheeled vehicles, including passenger and cargo auto-rickshaws

  • L7 Category: Heavy quadricycles, usually four-wheeled vehicles used for utility or cargo purposes

Public Feedback Invited

The draft notification has been placed in the public domain, and the ministry has invited comments and suggestions from stakeholders and citizens within 30 days before finalising the rule.

A Step Toward Safer EV Adoption

With the rapid growth of electric mobility in India, the inclusion of e-rickshaws and e-karts under AVAS rules reflects the government’s focus on balancing sustainability with safety. Once implemented, this move is expected to significantly reduce silent-vehicle-related accidents and make Indian roads safer for everyone.

Also Read: Uttarakhand Boosts Public Transport: 100 New Buses Added, Electric Fleet Next

CMV360 Says

The government’s proposal to mandate Acoustic Vehicle Alerting Systems for e-rickshaws, e-karts, and other electric vehicles marks an important step toward safer roads. By ensuring that silent electric vehicles produce audible warning sounds, the move aims to reduce pedestrian accidents, especially at low speeds. With clear timelines for new and existing vehicles, the draft rule supports responsible EV growth while prioritising public safety.

News


Tata Motors Records 42,940 Commercial Vehicle Sales in February 2026

Tata Motors Records 42,940 Commercial Vehicle Sales in February 2026

Tata Motors sold 42,940 commercial vehicles in February 2026, reporting 32% year-on-year growth driven by strong domestic demand and steady export performance across key ...

02-Mar-26 06:15 AM

Read Full News
Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. Reports 17% Growth in Domestic CV & 3-Wheeler Sales in February 2026

Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. Reports 17% Growth in Domestic CV & 3-Wheeler Sales in February 2026

Mahindra records 17% domestic CV and 3W growth and 11% export rise in February 2026 with total sales reaching 97,177 units....

02-Mar-26 05:17 AM

Read Full News
Indonesia Pauses Massive Import Order From Tata, Mahindra

Indonesia Pauses Massive Import Order From Tata, Mahindra

Indonesia suspends $1.5 billion Tata and Mahindra vehicle import plan amid political and industry concerns....

27-Feb-26 02:13 PM

Read Full News
Tata Motors Signs MoU with V.O. Chidambaranar Port to Deploy 40 Hydrogen Trucks at Tuticorin

Tata Motors Signs MoU with V.O. Chidambaranar Port to Deploy 40 Hydrogen Trucks at Tuticorin

Tata Motors signs MoU with VOC Port to deploy 40 hydrogen H2 ICE trucks, backed by government funding and new hydrogen infrastructure at Tuticorin port....

26-Feb-26 12:03 PM

Read Full News
Olectra Greentech Limited Appoints Dr Allabaksh Naikodi as Head - EV Systems to Strengthen Powertrain and Battery Technology

Olectra Greentech Limited Appoints Dr Allabaksh Naikodi as Head - EV Systems to Strengthen Powertrain and Battery Technology

Olectra Greentech strengthens EV tech by appointing Dr. Allabaksh Naikodi as Head - EV Systems, enhancing powertrain, battery systems, and innovation across electric buse...

25-Feb-26 07:21 AM

Read Full News
Noida International Airport Awards Major Ground Mobility Contract to Mann Fleet Partners Limited to Strengthen Passenger Connectivity

Noida International Airport Awards Major Ground Mobility Contract to Mann Fleet Partners Limited to Strengthen Passenger Connectivity

Noida International Airport appoints Mann Fleet for rental cars and shuttle services, boosting passenger connectivity across Delhi-NCR ahead of its operational launch....

25-Feb-26 06:03 AM

Read Full News

Ad

Ad