What Exactly Is AVAS? India’s New Safety Sound Rule for EVs

Every life on the road is precious, and the transition to electric mobility is accompanied by a heightened safety awareness. Mandating AVAS is not only a positive change from a technological perspective, but it will also give a new direction to India’s road safety mission.

Electric vehicles will now require ‘noise’! The Ministry’s new proposal will ensure the safety of pedestrians and others.

India’s New Safety Sound Rule for EVs

India is on the brink of a major change in electric vehicle (EV) safety. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has proposed a rule making it mandatory for certain electric vehicles to be fitted with Acoustic Vehicle Alerting Systems (AVAS). These systems emit artificial sounds to warn pedestrians and other road users, filling the silence gap that comes when EVs run quietly—especially at low speeds.

This step is in line with global safety norms and is part of India’s effort to balance green mobility with road safety. 

What Exactly Is AVAS and Why Do We Need It?

Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS) is a system that produces a sound when electric (or hybrid) vehicles move, especially when their own engine noise is minimal or absent. The key need arises because EVs, unlike traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, are very quiet—especially at low speeds. This “silence” can become a hazard, particularly for pedestrians, the elderly, and those who are visually impaired.

By adding sound cues, AVAS helps alert anyone nearby that a vehicle is approaching, thereby reducing the risk of collisions. In fact, several countries including the United States, Japan, and many in the European Union already require AVAS in EVs. 

Which Vehicles Will Be Affected?

This proposed mandate will primarily cover two vehicle categories:

1. Category M: EVs used for passenger transport—cars, vans, buses
2. Category N: EVs used for goods movement—electric trucks and commercial cargo vehicles

So, the rule will not apply to all EVs, but it will focus on those that carry people or goods on roads.

Interestingly, the draft notification currently excludes two‑wheelers, three‑wheelers, and e‑rickshaws from this requirement. Some reports mention that for these smaller electric vehicles, a separate guideline may require sound alerts up to speeds of 20 km/h. 

When Will EVs Have to Make Noise?

The implementation is planned in two phases:

1. From October 1, 2026 — All new models of electric vehicles in Categories M and N must come equipped with AVAS that meets the AIS‑173 audibility standard. 
2. From October 1, 2027 — The requirement will extend to existing models already on the road. Those will also need to be retrofitted with AVAS that meets the prescribed standard. 

By having a phased timeline, manufacturers and vehicle owners will have some time to adapt to the new requirement. 

India’s Move Towards Global Safety Benchmark

With this measure, India is aligning more closely with road safety standards adopted in advanced economies. AVAS is already a legal requirement for EVs in the US, Japan, and many European nations. This proposal reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring that while we push ahead with electric mobility, we don’t compromise the safety of pedestrians, especially most vulnerable road users.

India’s EV market is growing fast. Some reports estimate that by 2032, the country could have as many as 123 million electric vehicles on its roads under ambitious scenarios. As EV adoption rises, ensuring safety becomes even more crucial.

Also, recent numbers show that India has 28.55 lakh (2.855 million) electric two-wheelers, and 2.57 lakh (0.257 million) electric four-wheelers registered. So, even though the volume of large EVs (cars, trucks) is smaller today, mandating AVAS for them is a forward-looking safety step.

Some Important Facts about AVAS

Technical compliance: Ensuring that AVAS fitted to EVs meets the precise audibility requirements under AIS‑173 will be important.

Retrofit complexity: For existing vehicles, retrofitting AVAS may be tricky and costly. The rule gives a one-year window, but actual implementation could be slow.

Exclusion of smaller EVs: Two- and three-wheeler EVs, and e-rickshaws are currently excluded from this mandate. Yet these are common in India’s roads and are equally silent at low speeds. Whether future revisions will include them remains to be seen.

Awareness & enforcement: Vehicle makers, owners, and authorities need awareness of the rule, and enforcement will need to be robust.

Trade‑off between noise and environment: While the goal is safety, one must ensure the AVAS sound is not unnecessarily loud or annoying—just enough to alert.

Benefits of AVAS

If you plan to buy an EV in India after 1 October 2026, especially in the passenger or freight category, your new vehicle will come with AVAS installed. 

If you already own such an EV, you may later need to upgrade it by 2027. For everyday users, this means safer streets: pedestrians and vulnerable people will have a better chance of hearing an EV approaching, instead of being surprised by its quiet arrival.

It’s not just about noise—it’s about trust in electric mobility. Safety features like AVAS make the EV revolution more inclusive and responsible.

India’s journey towards sustainable transport is well underway. With thoughtful regulation and technology, the country can lead the way in green mobility without compromising on the safety of every life on the road.