India proposes mandatory V2V systems for new vehicles from October 2028

The road ministry has proposed requiring vehicle-to-vehicle communication systems in new L, M and N category vehicles made from October 1, 2028. Standards for vehicles already equipped with V2V systems would apply from October 1, 2027, using the 5.875–5.925 GHz band.

— Source publishedMon, 3 Aug, 2026, 16:39 IST·First seen Mon, 3 Aug, 2026, 16:50 IST·Source ET Small Business

What happened

Ministry of Road Transport and Highways · India’s road ministry has proposed mandatory V2V communication systems for new L, M and N category vehicles made from

Key facts

  • October 1, 2028
  • October 1, 2027
  • L, M and N vehicle categories
  • 5.875 GHz to 5.925 GHz

Why this matters

Automotive groups should assess partnerships or acquisitions in V2V communications, cybersecurity and connected-vehicle servicing to secure capabilities before the mandate takes effect.

What to watch

  • Publication of final Central Motor Vehicle Rules language, implementation dates and exemptions.
  • Release of technical standards covering 5.875-5.925 GHz operation, interoperability, cybersecurity and over-the-air updates.
  • Government clarification on whether compliance is type-approval based, model-year based or production-date based.
  • Supplier announcements on India-localized V2V modules and semiconductor capacity.
  • OEM commitments to launch V2V-equipped models before the mandate.
  • Insurance, fleet and smart-city pilots that create tangible value beyond regulatory compliance.
  • Any spectrum-sharing or interference disputes involving the 5.9 GHz band.
  • Map affected model portfolios by L, M and N classification and align V2V integration with planned 2027-2029 facelifts.
  • Secure dual-source options for V2V chipsets, 5.9 GHz radios, antennas, embedded software and cybersecurity validation.
  • Build dealer and service-center training plans covering feature demonstrations, diagnostics, software updates, customer consent and privacy questions.
  • Assess whether V2V can be packaged with ADAS, fleet telematics, roadside assistance, insurance partnerships or premium connected-service subscriptions.
  • Engage industry bodies and regulators on interoperability, spectrum use, data governance, liability and retrofit treatment.