Centre plans performance-based safety norms for two-wheelers

The proposed changes follow representations from industry stakeholders over an earlier draft notification

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New Delhi, July 28The Centre plans to introduce performance-based safety norms for two-wheelers by replacing technology-specific regulatory mandates with functional safety standards in a move aimed at providing manufacturers greater engineering flexibility while strengthening road safety, sources told businessline.Accordingly, sources said that the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) is reworking the proposed regulatory framework to prescribe measurable safety outcomes, including braking performance and stopping distance, instead of mandating specific technologies such as Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS) or Combined Braking Systems (CBS).Mandatory FitmentThe proposed changes follow representations from industry stakeholders over an earlier draft notification that prescribed the mandatory fitment of ABS and CBS across specified vehicle categories. At that time, manufacturers had argued that technology-specific regulations could restrict innovation and impose unnecessary engineering and manufacturing constraints across different vehicle platforms.Under the revised framework, manufacturers will instead be required to meet prescribed safety performance benchmarks while retaining the flexibility to deploy any technology capable of delivering the required braking outcomes.Safety NormAccording to sources, the objective is to improve braking performance and reduce accidents arising from sudden braking and vehicle instability, particularly among entry-level motorcycles and scooters, which account for a significant share of road fatalities in the country.Besides, the revised approach is expected to align India’s vehicle safety regulations more closely with evolving international regulatory practices, where performance-based standards are increasingly preferred over technology-specific mandates.Speaking to businessline, some industry executives said the proposed framework is expected to strike a balance between improving road safety and allowing manufacturers greater engineering flexibility while reducing compliance complexities for products developed for both domestic and export markets.The development comes as the Centre sharpens its focus on reducing road fatalities through improved vehicle safety regulations, better road engineering and stricter enforcement measures.Additionally, sources said MoRTH is expected to issue the revised draft notification shortly for stakeholder consultations before finalising the new norms.Published on July 28, 2026