India Proposes Phased Mandate for Vehicle-to-Vehicle Communication Systems Under Central Motor Vehicles Rules

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has issued a draft notification proposing amendments to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, for the phased implementation of Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) communication systems in motor vehicles.

The 5.875 GHz to 5.925 GHz frequency band has been considered for V2V and other Intelligent Transportation System applications. The Department of Telecommunications, through G.S.R. 466(E) dated 10 June 2026, has exempted the use of this frequency band from licensing requirements.

V2V communication enables nearby vehicles to exchange real-time information, including their speed, position, direction, acceleration and related data. This information can provide advance warnings to drivers or vehicle systems in safety-critical situations, including sudden braking, forward-collision risk, unsafe lane changes and the approach of emergency vehicles.

Unlike conventional vehicle-safety systems that primarily depend on onboard sensors and driver reaction, V2V communication can provide information beyond the direct line of sight. It is expected to complement Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and support proactive accident prevention, connected mobility and future intelligent transport applications.

Under the draft notification, the following timeline is proposed:

- Vehicles of categories L, M and N manufacture...