Government Mandates Advanced Safety Systems for Heavy Commercial Vehicles

The Indian government has announced sweeping safety regulations for medium and heavy-duty commercial vehicles, mandating advanced driver assistance systems and safety technologies to enhance road safety across the country.

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari disclosed the measures in a written reply to the Lok Sabha on February 12, 2026. The regulations introduce a phased implementation of cutting-edge safety features beginning October 2027.

Braking Systems Upgraded

A revised braking standard (IS 11852: 2019) will become mandatory for trucks from October 1, 2027, expanding requirements previously applicable only to buses manufactured by Original Equipment Manufacturers. The new standards aim to improve brake performance evaluation across heavy commercial vehicles.

Electronic stability control systems (AIS 162) will also be mandated from the same date, providing enhanced stability during braking on curves. Additionally, Advanced Emergency Braking Systems will be required, enabling automatic braking when drivers fail to respond to emergency situations, potentially avoiding collisions or reducing crash impact.

Driver Assistance Technologies

From January 1, 2028, trucks must be equipped with Blind Spot Information Systems (AIS 186) and Moving Off Information Systems (AIS 187) to protect vulnerable road users. Driver Drowsiness Detection and Alert Systems (AIS 184) and Lane Departure Warning Systems (AIS 188) will also become mandatory from the same date to prevent accidents caused by driver fatigue or unintended lane changes.

To reduce driver fatigue, air conditioning has been mandated in truck cabins from October 1, 2025.

Existing Safety Requirements

Current regulations already require goods vehicles to undergo cabin structural strength tests. Vehicles manufactured since April 1, 2020, must be fitted with reverse parking alert systems, reflective tape, rear under-run protective devices, and lateral under-run protective devices.

Driver Training Infrastructure

The government is expanding its scheme for establishing Institutes of Driving Training & Research, Regional Driving Training Centres, and Driving Training Centres nationwide. Financial assistance has been enhanced, with provisions of Rs. 17.25 crore for IDTRs, Rs. 5.50 crore for RDTCs, and Rs. 2.50 crore for DTCs.

Cashless Treatment Scheme

The Cashless Treatment for Road Accident Victims Scheme, 2025, notified in May 2025, provides treatment coverage up to Rs. 1.5 lakh per victim for up to seven days following an accident. The scheme offers stabilization treatment for 24 hours in non-life-threatening cases and 48 hours in critical cases at designated hospitals.

The scheme operates through the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund, funded by general insurance companies for insured vehicle cases and budgetary support for uninsured cases.