Proposed Amendments to Central Motor Vehicles Rules for Hydrogen and Two-Wheeler Safety
Key Ideas
  • Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) releases draft notifications for amendments to Central Motor Vehicles Rules regarding hydrogen-fueled vehicles and two-wheeler safety features.
  • Guidelines for displaying registration marks for hydrogen fuel operated vehicles and enhanced safety standards including ABS mandate and supply of protective headgears for two-wheelers.
  • Public feedback invited within thirty days via email or post to address potential objections or suggestions from stakeholders.
  • Proposed changes aim to improve road safety, promote hydrogen fuel technology, and enhance the overall regulatory framework for vehicles in India.
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) in India has recently announced two separate draft notifications proposing amendments to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989. One of these drafts focuses on regulations for hydrogen-fueled vehicles, while the other aims to enhance safety features for two-wheelers. The proposed changes are open for public consultation starting from June 26, 2025. The first draft notification addresses the need to amend Rule 50 by introducing a new sub-rule (2B) specifically tailored to hydrogen fuel operated vehicles. This sub-rule will define guidelines for the display of registration marks on such vehicles, with detailed specifications to be outlined in the final rules. The second notification pertains to improving safety standards for two-wheelers. It introduces amendments requiring the mandatory installation of an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on category L2 vehicles manufactured on or after January 1, 2026. Additionally, manufacturers will be obligated to provide two protective headgears (helmets) meeting Bureau of Indian Standards specifications to buyers within three months of the amended rules coming into effect. The Central Government is inviting objections and suggestions from stakeholders likely to be impacted by these proposed changes. Interested parties have thirty days from the publication date to submit their feedback either via email or by post to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways in New Delhi. The government aims to gather input to address any concerns and improve the regulatory framework related to vehicle safety and hydrogen technology in the country. Overall, the sentiment towards these amendments appears positive, as they are designed to enhance road safety, promote eco-friendly hydrogen fuel technology, and ensure compliance with updated safety standards.
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