Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) Mandatory for All Bikes from 2026
Major reform in road safety: Road accidents have become a serious national issue in India. According to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, nearly 1.5 lakh people lose their lives in road accidents every year, with over 40% of these incidents involving two-wheelers. One of the key reasons for these accidents is vehicle slipping during braking and the use of substandard helmets. To tackle this challenge, the Indian government has taken a historic decision.
Starting from 1 January 2026, all new bikes and scooters sold in the country must be equipped with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and come with two BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) certified helmets. This rule will not only enhance rider safety but will also play a crucial role in reducing road accidents.
What Will Change from 1 January 2026?
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has issued new guidelines to strengthen road safety. Key points include:
- ABS Mandatory: From 1 January 2026, all new two-wheelers (bikes and scooters) sold in India must be fitted with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). This rule will apply to all vehicles from affordable 100cc bikes to premium 500cc motorcycles.
- BIS Certified Helmets: During delivery of every new bike, dealers will be required to provide two BIS certified helmets – one for the rider and one for the pillion passenger.
- RTO Registration: No new two-wheeler will be eligible for Regional Transport Office (RTO) registration without ABS and BIS-certified helmets.
This regulation, spearheaded by Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, is a significant step towards aligning India’s road safety standards with global benchmarks. Gadkari has earlier implemented reforms like FASTag, lane driving rules, and Bharat NCAP, prioritising road safety.
What is ABS and Why Is It Important?
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is an advanced safety feature that prevents tyres from locking during sudden braking. In regular braking systems, sudden brakes can cause tyre lock, leading to skidding and loss of vehicle control. ABS reduces this risk and maintains the vehicle’s stability on the road.
How Does ABS Work?
- ABS consists of sensors, an Electronic Control Unit (ECU), and hydraulic valves.
- Sensors continuously monitor the speed of the tyres.
- If the system detects a tyre is about to lock, the ECU rapidly modulates brake pressure (hundreds of times per second).
- This process is so fast that the rider doesn’t feel it, and the bike remains under control.
Types of ABS
- Single Channel ABS: Operates only on the front tyre. Common in budget-friendly bikes due to lower cost.
- Dual Channel ABS: Operates on both front and rear tyres, offering higher safety. Usually found in premium motorcycles.
Benefits of ABS
- Prevents skidding: Especially useful on wet, slippery, or sandy roads.
- Better control: Allows riders to retain control even during emergency braking.
- Reduced accidents: Global studies show ABS can reduce crash likelihood by 20–30%.
- Effective in all weather: Functions efficiently on wet, muddy, or uneven roads.
“ABS keeps your bike stable on the road, ensuring your safety in every situation.”
BIS Certified Helmets: Safety Starts at the Head
Helmets are the most essential part of road safety. Over 60% of fatalities in road accidents in India involve people not wearing helmets or using substandard ones. To tackle this, the new guidelines mandate two BIS-certified helmets with every new bike.
What are BIS Helmets?
- BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) certifies products for quality and safety.
- BIS certified helmets comply with IS 4151:2015 standards ensuring durability, shock absorption, and structural strength.
- These helmets significantly reduce the risk of fatal head injuries in accidents.
Helmet Provision Under New Rules
- Dealers must provide two BIS certified helmets at the time of every new bike delivery.
- One helmet for the rider and one for the pillion.
- Ensures customers receive quality helmets from the start.
- Will curb the use of fake and low-quality helmets which offer poor protection.
“A BIS certified helmet is a guarantee of safety for you and your loved ones.”
Why This Rule Is Necessary: India’s Road Accident Data
Road accidents in India are reaching alarming levels. Data from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways reveals:
- Over 1.5 lakh fatalities occur annually due to road accidents.
- More than 40% of these involve two-wheelers.
- Slipping during braking and lack of proper helmets are major causes.
- Over 60% of deaths are linked to poor-quality or absent helmets.
Safety features like ABS and BIS helmets can drastically reduce these numbers. International research indicates that vehicles with ABS have 20–30% fewer accidents. In a country like India with wet, uneven, and congested roads, the significance of ABS and certified helmets increases manifold.
Impact on Bike Prices
Making ABS and BIS helmets mandatory may lead to a slight increase in bike prices. Experts estimate:
- ABS installation could add ₹2,000 to ₹5,000 to the cost of a bike.
- BIS helmets will be an added expense for dealers, potentially passed on partially to customers.
However, the government and experts believe this small cost is negligible compared to the value of life. Mass production may also help reduce costs over time.
“There is no price for safety. Spending ₹5,000 today can save your life tomorrow.”
Nitin Gadkari’s Road Safety Mission
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has made road safety a top priority. Under his leadership, several reforms have been implemented:
- FASTag System: To make toll collection smoother and more transparent.
- Lane Driving Rules: To encourage discipline on roads.
- Bharat NCAP: A new standard for vehicle safety ratings.
Mandating ABS and BIS helmets is another strong step in this direction. Gadkari has repeatedly emphasised that road safety is achieved not just through rules but through awareness and effective use of technology.
Long-term Impact of the New Rules
- Reduced Accidents: The use of ABS and certified helmets will bring down road fatalities significantly.
- Pressure on Bike Manufacturers: Companies will need to invest in upgrading all models with ABS.
- Increased Awareness: Mandatory BIS helmets will prevent the use of counterfeit and poor-quality products.
- Global Safety Standards: These changes will bring India closer to international safety benchmarks.
Note: This article aims to spread awareness about road safety and inform readers about upcoming regulations. For further details, visit the official website of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways at https://morth.nic.in.
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