New Road Safety Regulations: ADAS to Be Mandatory in Buses, Trucks, and Passenger Vehicles by 2026

Key Highlights:

• Advanced driver assistance systems will be mandatory in larger vehicles from April 2026.
• The new regulations will apply to passenger vehicles with over eight occupants, as well as buses and trucks.
• Regulations will apply to existing vehicles starting in October 2026.
• AEBS will apply brakes in potential frontal collisions.
• Commercial vehicles must have a blind spot information system to spot pedestrians and cyclists.

The Ministry of Road Transport has proposed new regulations to improve road safety by making advanced driver assistance systems mandatory in larger passenger and commercial vehicles. Starting in April 2026, all newly introduced passenger vehicles with more than eight people, along with buses and trucks, will need to include advanced emergency braking systems (AEBS), driver drowsiness and attention warning systems (DDAWS), and lane departure warning systems (LDWS).

The new regulations will be added to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules. It will also apply to existing vehicle models starting in October 2026. The goal is to reduce road accidents by using advanced technologies that help drivers in critical situations and avoid collisions.

One of the main features, AEBS, will detect possible frontal collisions. If the driver doesn't respond to warnings in time, the system will automatically apply the brakes to reduce the impact. Similarly, the LDWS will alert the driver if the vehicle starts drifting out of its lane without using the turn signal. These features help to avoid accidents caused by distraction or tiredness.

DDAWS, another important feature, will keep an eye on the driver's alertness by monitoring things like steering behavior, lane position, and facial expressions. If the system detects signs of drowsiness or inattention, it will send audio or visual warnings to reduce the risks linked to slower reaction times.

Along with these features, commercial vehicles also must have a blind spot information system. This technology will help the drivers spot pedestrians and cyclists in areas that are difficult to see, tackling a long-standing issue of accidents involving vulnerable road users. Even with extra mirrors on heavy vehicles, such accidents still happen often, making this new system an important step for improving road safety.

These strict regulations show the government's continued focus on improving road safety in India. By using advanced driver assistance technologies, the new rules aim to make highways and urban roads safer, reducing risks linked to human error in larger passenger and commercial vehicles. With the deadline approaching, manufacturers will need to include these technologies in their vehicle designs, helping to create a safer transportation environment across the country.

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CMV360 Says

It's good to see the government focusing on road safety with these new regulations. Advanced driver assistance systems like AEBS, LDWS, and DDAWS could make a real difference in preventing accidents, especially with larger vehicles. The blind spot system for commercial vehicles is also a smart addition, considering how often accidents happen in those hard-to-see areas. Hopefully, these changes will lead to fewer road incidents and safer journeys for everyone.