India has taken a significant step towards improving road safety by removing licensing requirements for radio spectrum used in advanced vehicle safety and self-driving technologies. The move is expected to make it easier and cheaper for automakers to introduce modern driver-assistance systems in the country.
Boost for vehicle safety technology
The government has exempted radar sensors operating in the 77 GHz to 81 GHz frequency range from licensing requirements. These sensors are widely used in advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), which support features such as emergency braking, adaptive cruise control and blind-spot detection.
A separate exemption has also been granted for systems operating in the 5.9 GHz band, enabling vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication. This technology allows vehicles to communicate with one another and with roadside infrastructure, helping drivers identify hazards beyond their line of sight.
Aligning with global standards
The decision brings India in line with standards followed in the United States and the European Union. Automakers will now be able to use globally available hardware instead of developing customised versions for the Indian market, reducing costs and speeding up deployment.
Manufacturers such as Mercedes-Benz and BMW, which already offer advanced safety systems internationally, could introduce the same technologies more easily in India. Domestic companies including Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors and Mahindra & Mahindra may also expand the availability of ADAS features across more affordable models.
A step towards safer roads
India recorded more than 1.77 lakh road fatalities in nearly five lakh accidents in 2024, making road safety a major concern. Experts believe technologies such as radar sensors and V2X communication can help reduce accidents by improving driver awareness and reaction times.
The move is also expected to benefit automotive technology suppliers and chipmakers involved in the development of next-generation mobility solutions