New safety rules add auto braking and driver alerts for big trucks: All you need to know

The government has mandated new safety devices for medium and heavy commercial vehicles to reduce crashes and protect road users. The measures focus on braking performance, driver assistance systems, vehicle visibility, and driver fatigue, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Jairam Gadkari informed the Lok Sabha in a written reply.Braking and crash prevention systems

A revised braking standard (IS 11852: 2019) will be mandatory for trucks from October 1, 2027. Earlier, the standard applied only to buses built by Original Equipment Manufacturers. The change expands brake performance evaluation to trucks.
Electronic stability control systems (AIS 162) will also be mandatory for trucks from October 1, 2027. These systems improve stability, especially when braking on curves.Advanced Emergency Braking Systems will be required from the same date to apply brakes automatically if the driver fails to respond in an emergency, helping avoid collisions or reduce impact.

Driver assistance and fatigue monitoring

From January 1, 2028, trucks must install Blind Spot Information Systems (AIS 186) and Moving Off Information Systems (AIS 187) to improve the safety of vulnerable road users near heavy vehicles.

Driver Drowsiness Detection and Alert Systems (AIS 184) will also be mandatory to address the risk of drivers falling asleep. Lane Departure Warning Systems (AIS 188) will warn drivers if the vehicle deviates from its lane.To reduce driver fatigue, air conditioning in truck cabins has been mandated under the Central Motor Vehicles Rules from October 1, 2025.

Visibility, structural safety and existing requirements

Goods vehicles are required to pass cabin structural strength tests. Trucks manufactured on or after April 1, 2020, must be fitted with reverse parking alert systems, reflective tape across the vehicle width, rear under-run protective devices, and lateral under-run protective devices.

Training and post-crash care measures

The government is expanding driver training infrastructure through Institutes of Driving Training & Research, Regional Driving Training Centres, and Driving Training Centres across states and districts. Financial support includes ₹17.25 crore for IDTRs, ₹5.50 crore for RDTCs, and ₹2.50 crore for DTCs.

A Cashless Treatment for Road Accident Victims Scheme, 2025, provides treatment cover up to ₹1.5 lakh per victim for up to seven days after a motor vehicle accident.

Victims are eligible for stabilisation treatment for up to 24 hours in non-life-threatening cases and up to 48 hours in life-threatening cases at designated hospitals, subject to police response.

The scheme is implemented through e-DAR and the National Health Authority’s Transaction Management System and funded through the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund.