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, etc. 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, which primarily depend on onboard sensors and driver reaction, V2V communication can provide information beyond the direct line of sight. It is therefore 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, manufactured on or after 1 October 2027, will be required to comply with AIS-230 where they are fitted with V2V communication systems.
• Vehicles of categories L, M and N, manufactured on or after 1 October 2028, will be required to be fitted with V2V communication systems conforming to AIS-230.

The phased approach will provide vehicle manufacturers and other stakeholders adequate time to prepare for the implementation of the new requirements.

AIS-230 has been developed with enabling features to specify the minimum technical, functional, performance, environmental and security requirements for V2V communication systems installed in vehicles operating on Indian roads.

The standard covers factory-installed On-Board Units using Cellular Vehicle-to-Everything (C-V2X) technology in the 5.875 GHz to 5.925 GHz frequency band.

Its principal requirements include:

• Radio performance, frequency stability and output-power requirements;
• Receiver sensitivity and selectivity;
• Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) and positioning requirements;
• Electrical and power-supply requirements;
• Electromagnetic interference and compatibility requirements;
• Cybersecurity and communication-security provisions; and
• Performance requirements for road-safety applications.

The standard also provides for the phased introduction of safety use cases such as:

• Emergency Brake Alert;
• Forward Collision Warning;
• Wrong-way Driving; and
• Emergency Vehicle Alert.

The Ministry had constituted a Task Force for the development and implementation of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) in the country with specific emphasis on V2V communication. The Task Force recommended the use of the 5.9 GHz ITS/V2X frequency range for improving road safety.

The formulation of AIS-230 was also considered by the Central Motor Vehicles Rules–Technical Standing Committee at its 56th meeting held on 7 May 2026. The standard provides the technical foundation for the regulatory implementation of V2V communication systems in India.

The proposed framework is expected to improve vehicle situational awareness, facilitate timely safety warnings and strengthen the use of connected technologies for reducing road-accident risks.

The suggestions/comments on the draft rules will be examined after the expiry of 30 days, and thereafter the final notification shall be issued.

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GDH/DS/HJ