NEW DELHI : In a major step toward curbing road crashes and bolstering vehicular safety, the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has issued draft rules proposing to make Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) communication technology mandatory in all new vehicles from October 1, 2028.
The ministry proposed the measure through an amendment to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989. Under the proposed draft, vehicles will use wireless technology to share real-time location, speed, direction, and braking status with surrounding vehicles, helping drivers receive early warnings of potential collisions.
How V2V Technology Works
V2V is a wireless communication system that allows vehicles on the road to exchange critical data continuously. Each V2V-equipped vehicle will regularly broadcast a ‘Basic Safety Message’ (BSM).
Nearby vehicles receive these signals and calculate the risk of a potential impact. If the system detects an impending threat, it immediately alerts the driver. In advanced models, the technology can also trigger emergency braking features if required.
Key Benefits and High-Risk Scenarios
The technology aims to significantly reduce accidents in high-risk scenarios where visibility is limited or sudden hazards occur.
It is expected to prove particularly useful at:
- Blind turns and intersections
- Dense fog conditions
- Overtaking scenarios where vehicles are hidden behind large trucks
- Instances of sudden emergency braking by vehicles ahead
The system will help mitigate rear-end collisions, intersection crashes, and risks associated with driver blind spots.
Applicable Categories and Timeline
According to the draft proposal, the mandatory rule will cover:
- Category L: Two-wheelers, e-scooters, and auto-rickshaws
- Category M: Passenger cars, SUVs, taxis, and buses
- Category N: Pickups, trucks, and goods transport vehicles
Additionally, vehicles fitted with V2V systems from October 1, 2027, must comply with AIS-230 safety standards. The ministry has invited suggestions and objections on the draft notification from industry stakeholders and the public until August 23.
