The Department of Telecommunications (DoT )on June 11, 2026, issued the Use of Short-Range Automotive Radar System in the 77-81 GHz band (Exemption from Licensing Requirements) Rules, 2026.
The following has been stated:
• The Rules exempt Short-Range Automotive Radar Systems (SRARS) operating in the 77–81 GHz frequency band from licensing requirements under the Indian Wireless Telegraphy laws, thereby facilitating the deployment of advanced vehicle safety and driver-assistance technologies. The exemption applies to radar equipment installed on various vehicles, including cars, buses, trucks, trains, motorcycles, aircraft while taxiing, and vessels operating within Indian territorial waters.
• The Rules permit the establishment, operation, possession, sale, and hire of such radar systems without radio frequency assignment or licensing, subject to specified technical and regulatory conditions. The systems shall operate on a non-interference, non-protection, and non-exclusive basis, meaning users cannot claim protection from interference and shall not cause harmful interference to licensed communication systems.
• Technical parameters have been prescribed for operation in the 77–81 GHz band, including a maximum average EIRP of 50 dBm, maximum peak EIRP of 55 dBm, maximum emission bandwidth of 4 GHz, and unwanted emissions limited to –30 dBm/MHz. Manufacturers or importers shall obtain equipment type approval through an online portal before deployment, unless approval has already been granted for the same equipment type and published on the portal.
• The Rules further require radar equipment to comply with standards notified by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) or the Central Government. In the absence of Indian standards, the equipment shall conform to relevant international standards.
These rules shall come into effect from June 12, 2026.
[Notification no. - G.S.R. 468(E)]
