India Plans Mandatory Automatic Emergency Braking in New Cars from October 2030

India is set to consider to making the Advanced Emergency Braking Systems (AEBS) mandatory in new car models from October 2030, after the existing models reportedly receiving until October 2032 to comply. The proposal is being considered by the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and it will be headed by Nitin Gadkari. This measure forms the part of a broader road-safety push involving Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), which use sensors and electronic controls to help drivers identify hazards and avoid collisions.

What Is an Advanced Emergency Braking System (AEBS)?

An Advanced Emergency Braking System (AEBS) is an active vehicle-safety technology designed to detect potential collisions and automatically apply the brakes if the driver fails to respond adequately.

This system typically uses the cameras, radar or other sensors to monitor the road ahead. Depending on the technology and operating conditions, it may warn the driver, initiate braking or reduce the vehicle’s speed before impact.

For an example, if a car approaches to a vehicle that has suddenly stopped and the driver does not brake in the time, AEBS may intervene to prevent the collision or reduce its severity. However, its effectiveness depends on factors such as visibility, sensor performance, vehicle speed and the type of obstacle.

What Is ADAS and How Does It Improve Road Safety?

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) comprise electronic technologies designed to help drivers identify hazards, maintain control and respond to potentially dangerous situations. Some systems provide warnings, while others can intervene in braking or steering.

Key ADAS features include,

• Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB): Automatically applies to the brakes when a collision is imminent and the driver does not respond to the situation adequately.
• Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS): It alerts the driver when the vehicle unintentionally moves out of the its lane.
• Emergency Lane Keeping System (ELKS): Helps to prevent the dangerous unintended lane departures through corrective steering or other interventions.
• Blind Spot Information System (BSIS): Warns drivers about vehicles or other road users in blind spots.
• Driver Drowsiness and Attention Warning System (DDAWS): Detects signs of reduced driver alertness and issues warnings.
• Moving Off Information System (MOIS): Helps detect vulnerable road users near the front of a vehicle when it starts moving.

Not every vehicle has all these features. Their availability depends on the model, equipment and applicable safety standards.

Deadlines Proposed by the Government for the Implementation of AEBS in Passenger Cars

Based on the reported proposal, the implementation of the requirement will be done in phases to enable car manufacturers to make changes to their design and production process.

Note that these deadlines can only be considered proposals for the time being. They are yet to be officially mandated through a notification from the government.

Further Safety Measures for Taxis

As mentioned above, the report includes taxis as well as other vehicles for commercial purposes of transporting passengers. These vehicles can travel far away and run for prolonged periods; therefore, attentiveness of the driver and preventing accidents become the matters of great importance in terms of safety.

Some other additional features of ADAS that the ministry is reported to be thinking about include emergency lane keeping and driver fatigue and attention alerts. Further information regarding these features will be given after the notification has been made public.

ADAS may give some extra alerts and automated solutions; however, the driver still needs to remain attentive and rest enough.

AEBS Safety Standards for Commercial Vehicles

In contrast to the reported proposal for passenger vehicles, the government has already communicated safety requirements for advanced emergency braking in certain types of medium and heavy commercial vehicles.

As per the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, safety standards for AEBS will be applicable from 1 October 2027 for eligible commercial vehicles. Additionally, there are other safety features which have been included through a phased approach.