The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has published two separate draft notifications proposing amendments to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989. These draft rules cover new regulations for hydrogen-fueled vehicles and enhanced safety features for two-wheelers, and are now open for public consultation. Both these draft notifications were published on June 26, 2025.
The Central Government invites objections and suggestions from all persons likely to be affected by these proposed changes. Comments will be considered if received within thirty days from the date on which the copies of these notifications are made available to the public in the Gazette of India. Feedback can be sent to the Additional Secretary (MVL) via email at comments-morth@gov.in or by post to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Transport Bhawan, Parliament Street, New Delhi-110001.
Proposed Changes for Hydrogen Fuel Operated Vehicles
(Notification dated June 25, 2025)
The Ministry proposes to amend Rule 50 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, by inserting a new sub-rule (2B). This amendment will establish specific guidelines for how the registration mark shall be exhibited in the case of hydrogen fuel operated vehicles. The exact details of the exhibition format will be specified in the final rules.
Enhanced Safety Features for Two-Wheelers
(Notification dated June 23, 2025)
Further amendments are proposed to enhance the safety standards for two-wheelers:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) Mandate
Rule 96, sub-rule (4A), will be amended to mandate that vehicles of category L2 manufactured on and after January 1, 2026, shall be fitted with an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) that conforms to the IS14664:2010 standard, as amended from time to time.
Supply of Protective Headgears
A change to Rule 138, clause (f) of sub-rule (4), will require two-wheeler manufacturers to supply two protective headgears (helmets) conforming to specifications prescribed by the Bureau of Indian Standards. This provision will apply at the time of purchase of a two-wheeler, three months from the date of commencement of these amended rules. However, these conditions will not apply to categories of persons exempted in terms of Section 129 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.
