India to Soon Make Artificial Sound Alert Mandatory for Electric Two- and Three-Wheelers

Key Highlights:

• Electric 2- and 3-wheelers, including e-rickshaws, must soon have sound alerts below 20 kmph.
• Transport ministry proposes mandatory AVAS for all electric and hybrid vehicles.
• The system alerts pedestrians and cyclists to near-silent EVs.
• Rule follows accidents caused by undetected EV movement.
• AVAS is already mandatory in the US, Japan, and the European Union.

The Indian government is planning to introduce a new safety rule for electric vehicles (EVs), especially for two-wheelers, e-rickshaws, and three-wheelers. Under this upcoming regulation, all such vehicles must have an electronic system that creates a sound when moving at speeds up to 20 kmph. This move is aimed at improving pedestrian safety since electric vehicles are usually very quiet at low speeds.

Transport Ministry Prepares New Safety Standard

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has released a draft standard for what it calls Quiet Road Transport Vehicles (QRTVs). The new rule will make it mandatory for electric and hybrid vehicles to install an Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS). This system will generate artificial sounds to alert pedestrians, cyclists, and other road users, helping reduce accidents caused by silent-moving EVs.

AVAS Already in Use Globally

India’s decision follows global safety practices. The AVAS system is already required in countries like the United States, Japan, and across the European Union. For instance, the US made AVAS mandatory for all new electric vehicles from September 2020, while Europe enforced it in July 2019.

Need for AVAS in India

The need for such alerts became clear soon after EVs entered the Indian market. Incidents were reported where pedestrians couldn’t hear e-rickshaws or electric scooters coming, leading to accidents. While EVs do make some tyre noise at higher speeds, they are nearly silent at low speeds, posing a risk in crowded or busy pedestrian areas. The new rule is expected to be enforced soon after public feedback and final approvals.

Also Read: FADA Sales Report June 2025: Three-wheeler YoY sales increased by 6.68%

CMV360 Says

Introducing sound alerts for slow-moving electric vehicles is a smart and timely move. As EVs become more common on Indian roads, ensuring pedestrian safety must be a priority. Quiet vehicles may be good for reducing noise pollution, but they also pose a real risk in crowded areas. A system like AVAS offers the right balance between modern mobility and public safety.