New Delhi: The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has proposed a new rule requiring two-wheeler manufacturers to supply two helmets at the time of vehicle purchase, as part of efforts to enhance road safety for riders and pillion passengers.

The draft amendment to the Central Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989, was released on June 23, 2025, and states that the new regulation will become mandatory three months after the final notification is published in the official gazette.

According to the draft, “At the time of purchase of the two-wheeler, three months from the date of commencement of the Central Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Rules, 2025, the manufacturer of the two-wheeler shall supply two protective headgears conforming to specifications prescribed by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).”

The requirement will not apply to individuals exempt under Section 129 of the Motor Vehicles Act. The government emphasised that helmets provided must meet the safety and quality standards set by BIS.

In a further push for two-wheeler safety, the ministry has also proposed that from January 1, 2026, all new L2 category vehicles, including motorcycles and scooters with engine capacities above 50cc or speeds exceeding 50 km/h, be equipped with Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS). The ABS must adhere to Indian Standard IS14664:2010 to ensure better braking control and reduce the risk of skidding.

The proposed amendments are open to public feedback for 30 days from the date of notification. Suggestions and objections can be emailed to the Ministry at comments-morth@gov.in.