The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India (MoRTH), on January 6, 2026, notified the Central Motor Vehicles (01st Amendment) Rules, 2026 after considering objections and suggestions received on the draft amendment published in September 2025 under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. The amendments have been issued in exercise of powers under section 110 of the Act to further strengthen vehicle safety and regulatory compliance.
A key amendment mandates the fitment of an Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS) in electrified vehicles of categories M and N to enhance pedestrian safety. The requirement will apply to new models from October 1, 2026, and to existing models from October 1, 2027, in accordance with audibility standards specified in AIS-173, as amended from time to time, until corresponding BIS standards are notified.
The notification also amends rule 138 to expand exemptions relating to certain documents and requirements by including additional vehicle categories such as L5, L7, e-rickshaws, and e-carts, alongside M1 vehicles. These changes aim to harmonise regulatory provisions with the evolving electric mobility ecosystem in India.
[Notification No. G.S.R. 07(E)]
