Government Makes Safety Systems Compulsory for Heavy Commercial Vehicles

By Jony Shekhawat | Published Date : February 13, 2026

New regulation aims to improve road safety standards across the commercial vehicle segment in India.

The government has now made advanced safety systems compulsory for heavy commercial vehicles in India. This means all trucks in this segment will need to follow new safety rules in coming months.

Officials say the main reason is the rising number of highway accidents. When something goes wrong, the impact is serious. So authorities felt change was needed.

What Will Change Under New Rule

Table of Contents

1. What Will Change Under New Rule

2. Bigger Highway Vehicles Under Watch

3. Mining and Construction Segment Not Left Out

4. Long-Haul and Electric Segment

5. Industry Reaction

Read More: Mahindra Udo Electric Auto Launched in Hyderabad at ₹3.58 Lakh

As per the new guidelines, vehicles like 10-wheeler trucks must now come with improved braking systems and stability control. Some models will also need driver alert features.
Earlier, these systems were mostly seen in expensive variants. Smaller fleet operators often avoided them because of cost. But now it will not be optional. Manufacturers will have to include them as standard equipment. Yes, vehicle prices may increase a little. But transport experts believe accident repair costs are much higher than safety investment.

Bigger Highway Vehicles Under Watch

The government is also focusing on heavy highway carriers such as 12-wheeler trucks and 14-wheeler trucks. Driver fatigue is common in long routes. Brake overheating is another issue. With better warning systems and improved braking response, authorities expect better control and fewer major crashes.

Industry sources say this step was expected for some time, especially after recent accident reports.

Mining and Construction Segment Not Left Out

The rule will also apply to heavy-duty vehicles like 16-wheeler dumpers used at mining and construction sites. Sometimes they carry an extreme load. Stability support and braking improvement can reduce rollover risk. Workers on site may also feel safer with stronger safety standards.

Long-Haul and Electric Segment

High-capacity carriers such as 18-wheeler trucks must also upgrade under this mandate. Meanwhile, manufacturers producing electric heavy trucks may find the transition slightly easier. Many electric platforms already use digital control systems, so adding safety features may not be very complex.

Industry Reaction

Some fleet owners are worried about the initial cost increase. Smaller operators, especially, may feel pressure. But others say this move was necessary. Road safety cannot be ignored for long.

Also Read: Ashok Leyland Posts Strong Q3 Numbers as GST Boosts Demand

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Frequently Asked Questions on Commercial Vehicles

Q1. What is the difference between a light commercial vehicle and a heavy commercial vehicle?

Ans. Light commercial vehicles are smaller and used for city deliveries or small loads. Heavy commercial vehicles are larger trucks used for long-distance transport, bulk goods, mining, or construction work.

Q2. How often should commercial vehicles undergo servicing?

Ans. Most commercial vehicles should be serviced every 10,000 to 20,000 kilometers, depending on load conditions and manufacturer guidelines. Regular servicing improves engine life and fuel efficiency.

Q3. What documents are mandatory for operating commercial vehicles in India?

Ans. Registration certificate, fitness certificate, insurance, pollution certificate, road permit and valid driving license are required to legally operate commercial vehicles.

Q4. Why are multi-axle commercial vehicles preferred for long routes?

Ans. Multi-axle vehicles provide better load distribution, improved stability, and higher carrying capacity, which makes them suitable for long-distance highway transportation.

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