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The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has issued a draft notification mandating the installation of Acoustic Vehicle Alerting Systems (AVAS) in all electric vehicles classified under M and N categories. In simple terms, the quiet electric vehicle will soon make a soft sound to alert pedestrians nearby.

An Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS) emits a gentle sound when electric or hybrid vehicles are moving at low speeds. Unlike petrol or diesel vehicles that naturally produce engine noise, electric vehicles are almost silent, making them harder for pedestrians—especially children, the elderly, and visually impaired individuals—to detect. This raises the risk of accidents.

AVAS bridges that gap by alerting people in the vehicle’s path. This move aligns with global safety standards and promises to benefit every road user by providing early audio cues of an approaching vehicle.

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The rule is proposed to roll out in two phases:

The sound will adhere to AIS-173 standards set by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), ensuring it's noticeable but not disruptive.

The updated rule also mentions L5, L7, e-rickshaws, and e-carts, suggesting these may soon be included, improving safety in the three-wheeler and last-mile transport segments.

This is still a draft. The Ministry has invited suggestions and objections from the public and industry stakeholders within 30 days.

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