The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has proposed the phased introduction of vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication systems for automobiles. The ministry said the move is intended to introduce connected vehicle technologies that enable the real-time exchange of safety-related information.

The ministry has issued a draft notification proposing amendments to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules (CMVR), 1989, outlining a roadmap for the adoption of AIS-230, the country's technical standard for V2V communication systems.

V2V communication enables nearby vehicles to exchange real-time information, including speed, position, direction and acceleration. The technology can alert drivers or onboard vehicle systems to situations including sudden braking, forward collision risks, unsafe lane changes and the approach of emergency vehicles.

According to the ministry, the phased implementation timeline has been proposed to provide vehicle manufacturers and other stakeholders with sufficient time to prepare for compliance with the new requirements.

What is included in the draft notification?

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

"The 5.875 GHz to 5.925 GHz frequency band has been designated for V2V and other Intelligent Transportation System applications," the draft notification stated.

The proposal follows the Department of Telecommunications' notification G.S.R. 466 (E), dated June 10th, 2026, which exempted the use of the 5.875 GHz to 5.925 GHz frequency band from licensing requirements, allowing the deployment of connected vehicle technologies.

Unlike conventional vehicle safety systems, which primarily rely on onboard sensors and driver response, V2V communication enables vehicles to exchange information beyond the driver's direct line of sight. The ministry stated that the technology is expected to complement Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and support connected mobility and intelligent transport applications.

AIS-230 specifies the minimum technical, functional, performance, environmental and cybersecurity requirements for V2V communication systems installed in vehicles operating on Indian roads. The standard covers factory-fitted On-Board Units based on Cellular Vehicle-to-Everything (C-V2X) technology operating in the 5.875 GHz to 5.925 GHz frequency band.

The standard also provides for the phased introduction of safety applications, including emergency brake alerts, forward collision warnings, wrong-way driving alerts and emergency vehicle notifications. The ministry had earlier constituted a task force to develop and implement Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) in India, with a specific focus on V2V communication. The task force recommended the adoption of the 5.9 GHz ITS/V2X frequency band to support connected mobility and road safety across the country.