Outlook Business Desk
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has proposed new safety rules that would make it mandatory for all newly manufactured two-wheelers in India to be equipped with overspeed alerts and hands-off handlebar detection systems.
New two-wheelers will need built-in alerts for overspeeding and riding without hands on the handlebar—meant to prevent careless or distracted riding and reduce road accidents significantly.
These safety features will be added by amending the Central Motor Vehicles Rules (CMVR), 1989 — a set of regulations that define vehicle safety standards in India. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has prepared a draft and is currently consulting with two-wheeler manufacturers before finalising the amendment.
This proposal builds on earlier safety rules—like making Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS) compulsory and requiring two Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)-certified helmets with every new two-wheeler sold from January 2026.
India reported over 1.7 lakh road deaths in 2022, with two-wheeler riders making up 45%. Overspeeding alone caused more than 1 lakh of these fatalities, highlighting the need for stricter safety norms.
Nearly 1.9 crore two-wheelers are sold in India every year. Once enforced, this rule will apply to all new models, directly affecting manufacturers, dealers, and millions of future buyers.
Like the earlier ABS rule, these tech upgrades may slightly increase bike prices. However, officials believe the added cost is justified if it helps reduce accidents and save lives.
The final rules are expected within 1–2 months after consultations. If notified, the new safety alerts would become mandatory for all two-wheelers sold after the cut-off date.