Govt moots mandatory vehicle-to-vehicle communication in new vehicles from October 2028
The Government of India has proposed making vehicle-to-vehicle communication technology mandatory in all new automobiles starting October 2028. This
Govt Moots Mandatory Vehicle to Vehicle Communication
Theindiapostdaily.com – The Government of India has proposed making vehicle-to-vehicle communication technology mandatory in all new automobiles starting October 2028. This significant regulatory move by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways aims to revolutionize road safety across the country. A draft notification published on Monday establishes a phased implementation timeline beginning in October 2027, giving manufacturers sufficient time to adapt their production lines.
Under this proposal, the Central Motor Vehicles Rules of 1989 will undergo substantial modifications. The changes will establish a robust framework for intelligent transportation networks and connected mobility solutions throughout India. Industry stakeholders and citizens have been granted thirty days to submit their feedback before the ministry finalizes the comprehensive notification.
Phased Implementation for All Vehicle Categories
The regulatory roadmap encompasses three major vehicle classifications: category L for two and three-wheelers, category M for passenger vehicles, and category N for commercial transport. From October 1, 2027, any vehicle within these groups fitted with V2V systems must comply with the newly developed AIS-230 specifications. By October 1, 2028, every newly manufactured automobile across these categories will require factory-installed V2V communication units meeting the established standard.
This measured approach provides manufacturers and component suppliers adequate preparation time for compliance. The regulation stands as one of the most significant technology-driven safety initiatives introduced by the government in recent years. It will complement advanced driver assistance systems already becoming increasingly common in premium automobiles.
Understanding Real-Time Vehicle Communication
Conventional safety mechanisms depend primarily on cameras, onboard sensors, and human reaction times. V2V technology enables automobiles to exchange live data including velocity, geographic position, travel direction, acceleration rates, and braking conditions. This capability allows vehicles to alert drivers or automated systems about hazards beyond normal visibility ranges.
Each automobile continuously transmits compact radio signals containing its location, speed, and heading information. These transmissions relay critical details such as sudden stops by preceding vehicles, potential frontal impacts, hazardous lane maneuvers, incorrect direction travel, and approaching emergency responders. The receiving vehicle’s onboard computer cross-references incoming data with its own parameters to predict collisions and trigger appropriate warnings or automatic interventions.
Government experts expect this connected network to significantly enhance highway awareness and enable accident prevention before incidents occur.
Technical Standards and Frequency Allocation
The ministry developed the standard utilizing cellular vehicle-to-everything technology operating within the 5.875 to 5.925 GHz spectrum. The Department of Telecommunications eliminated licensing requirements for this frequency range through a June 10, 2026 notification, enabling commercial V2V application deployment.
AIS-230 establishes baseline technical, functional, environmental, performance, and cybersecurity criteria for factory-fitted V2V communication modules. The specification addresses radio capabilities, receiver sensitivity, GNSS positioning accuracy, power delivery parameters, electromagnetic compatibility, and communication security protocols.
The standard outlines performance benchmarks for essential road safety functions and schedules gradual adoption of applications including emergency brake notifications, forward collision warnings, wrong-way driving alerts, and emergency vehicle approaching signals.
Regulatory Framework and Future Outlook
This proposal builds upon recommendations from a ministry-formed task force focused on Intelligent Transportation Systems. The committee created a comprehensive roadmap emphasizing V2V communication with particular attention to the internationally recognized 5.9 GHz ITS frequency band for vehicle networking.
The technical standard underwent review during the 56th session of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules-Technical Standing Committee in May before advancing for regulatory approval. The ministry projects the framework will expand connected vehicle technology utilization, enhance real-time situational awareness, and provide prompt safety notifications, especially on high-speed routes where delayed driver responses often cause accidents.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does mandatory V2V communication become effective? The phased implementation begins on October 1, 2027, with full mandatory compliance for all new vehicles by October 1, 2028.
Which vehicles are covered under the new regulation? The regulation applies to category L (two and three-wheelers), category M (passenger cars), and category N (commercial vehicles).
What technology does V2V communication use? The system operates using cellular vehicle-to-everything technology within the 5.875 to 5.925 GHz frequency spectrum.
How long can stakeholders submit their observations? The ministry has provided thirty days for stakeholders and the general public to submit their feedback on the draft notification.
What safety features does V2V technology enable? The technology supports emergency brake notifications, forward collision warnings, wrong-way driving alerts, and emergency vehicle approaching signals.
