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

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.