If you’ve ever wished your car could “talk” to the vehicle ahead before you even see brake lights flash, that future just got a lot closer in India. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has issued a draft notification proposing the phased rollout of Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) communication systems across the country, and it’s a genuinely big deal for anyone who cares about road safety.
What exactly is V2V communication?
In simple terms, V2V lets nearby vehicles exchange real-time data, such as speed, position, direction, and acceleration, with each other over a dedicated wireless band. Instead of relying only on what a driver can see or what onboard sensors detect, vehicles get an early heads-up about what’s happening around them, even beyond direct line of sight. Think sudden braking a few cars ahead, a vehicle merging unsafely, or an ambulance approaching from around a blind curve.
The technical backbone: AIS-230
The draft proposes amendments to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, and rests on a new standard called AIS-230, developed under MoRTH’s guidance. This standard lays down requirements for factory-fitted On-Board Units that use Cellular V2X (C-V2X) technology, and it also builds in cybersecurity provisions from the ground up, an important detail, since networking every vehicle on the road inevitably expands the attack surface for bad actors.
To make this possible, the government has earmarked the 5.875–5.925 GHz frequency band specifically for V2V and other Intelligent Transportation System uses, and the Department of Telecommunications has already exempted this band from licensing requirements.
The rollout timeline
The proposed framework follows a two-step phased approach:
- From October 1, 2027: Vehicles in the L, M, and N categories (essentially two-wheelers, cars, and commercial vehicles) that choose to fit V2V systems will need to comply with AIS-230.
- From October 1, 2028: V2V systems become mandatory across these categories, meaning virtually every new vehicle sold in India, from scooters to heavy trucks, will need a compliant unit.
This staggered timeline is meant to give manufacturers and suppliers enough runway to adapt production lines and supply chains, rather than forcing an abrupt shift.
Why this matters
India’s road fatality numbers have long been a pressing concern, and V2V is being positioned as a complement to existing safety systems like ADAS, not a replacement. By giving vehicles “eyes” beyond the driver’s own field of vision, the technology could meaningfully reduce collisions caused by delayed reactions or hidden hazards, particularly relevant given how much of India’s traffic mix includes two-wheelers, which are often the most vulnerable road users.
What happens next
The draft has been opened up for public consultation, with stakeholders including industry bodies, state governments, and civil society groups invited to submit feedback within the stipulated window. MoRTH will review these comments before issuing a final notification.
If implemented as proposed, India would become one of the first major economies to mandate V2V communication across its entire vehicle fleet, including two-wheelers, a distinctive move that reflects the country’s unique traffic realities.
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Rajababu Kushwaha is the Founder and Editor of AutoCrest. He covers the latest car news, reviews, comparisons, EV updates, and buying guides for Indian car buyers.