govt-proposes-v2v-communication-framework-to-boost-road-safety

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has issued a draft notification proposing a regulatory framework for vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication systems, a move aimed at improving road safety through real-time information sharing between vehicles.

 

The proposed amendments to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, envisage the phased implementation of V2V technology, which allows nearby vehicles to exchange critical data such as speed, location, direction and acceleration. The system can alert drivers or onboard safety systems about potential hazards, including sudden braking, forward-collision risks, unsafe lane changes and approaching emergency vehicles.

 

The ministry said V2V technology complements existing Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) by providing information beyond a driver's line of sight, enabling proactive accident prevention and supporting future intelligent transport systems.

 

The draft framework follows the Department of Telecommunications' decision to exempt the 5.875 GHz to 5.925 GHz frequency band from licensing requirements for V2V and other Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) applications.

 

Under the proposal, vehicles in categories L, M and N manufactured on or after October 1, 2027, will have to comply with the AIS-230 standard if they are equipped with V2V communication systems. From October 1, 2028, all newly manufactured vehicles in these categories will be required to be fitted with AIS-230-compliant V2V systems.

 

According to the ministry, the phased rollout will provide manufacturers and other stakeholders sufficient time to prepare for implementation.

 

The AIS-230 standard specifies technical requirements for factory-installed Cellular Vehicle-to-Everything (C-V2X) systems operating in the 5.9 GHz band. It covers radio performance, GNSS positioning, cybersecurity, electromagnetic compatibility and safety applications such as Emergency Brake Alert, Forward Collision Warning, Wrong-way Driving Alert and Emergency Vehicle Alert.

 

The ministry has invited public comments on the draft rules for 30 days, after which it will examine the suggestions before issuing the final notification.