When it comes to road safety, India is at a critical juncture. With the rising number of road accidents and fatalities, the government has been striving to improve vehicle safety standards across the board. One of the much-discussed proposals in this direction was the 6 Airbags Rule for all cars.
But what is the final word from the government? Let’s break it down.
What Was the 6 Airbags Proposal?
The 6 Airbags Rule was first proposed by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) as a part of India’s efforts to improve automobile safety. The idea was to make it mandatory for all passenger vehicles—irrespective of cost or segment—to have six airbags, including side and curtain airbags.
This was aimed at reducing the number of casualties and enhancing car safety in India, especially for rear-seat passengers who are often more vulnerable during crashes.
Is It Really Mandatory from October 2025?
As of now, the government has NOT made it mandatory for all cars to have six airbags from October 2025. There’s no official deadline or final decision that enforces this rule starting that month.
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, has been vocal about the importance of safety features. While he strongly advocates for the 6 airbags rule, he also emphasized the need to make such safety upgrades cost-effective and industry-ready.
Why Was the Rule Put on Hold?
| Reason | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Cost Implications | Adding 4 extra airbags can significantly increase the car’s cost, especially in the budget segment. |
| Industry Readiness | Several Indian automakers expressed concerns about the feasibility of implementing this rule in a short timeframe. |
| Affordability for Buyers | For a country where a large portion of buyers look for affordable cars, the rule could affect demand. |
| Production Challenges | Smaller manufacturers may face delays in reconfiguring models to accommodate more airbags. |
What Are the Current Car Safety Rules in India?
India has been progressively enforcing safety standards to reduce road accidents. Here are the mandatory safety rules currently in effect:
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Driver-side airbag has been mandatory since July 2019.
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Front passenger airbag became mandatory from January 2022.
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Seatbelt reminder, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), and rear parking sensors are also required in new cars.
These measures are part of a broader push to strengthen car safety in India.
What Does This Mean for Car Buyers?
As a car buyer in India, here’s what you should keep in mind:
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Don’t wait for laws to change—safety should be a priority.
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Many car manufacturers already offer six airbags in mid and premium variants.
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Check for crash-test ratings and safety features before buying a new car.
What Automakers Are Already Offering 6 Airbags?
Several leading manufacturers have taken the lead even before any mandatory rule has been enforced:
| Car Manufacturer | Models with 6 Airbags |
|---|---|
| Hyundai | Verna, Creta, Alcazar |
| Tata Motors | Harrier, Safari |
| Mahindra | XUV700, Scorpio-N |
| Toyota | Innova Hycross, Fortuner |
| Kia | Seltos, Carens |
Final Word:
As of now, there is no official confirmation that the 6 airbags rule will be enforced from October 2025. However, the government continues to emphasize the importance of mandatory safety rules and encourages manufacturers to voluntarily include more airbags and better safety mechanisms.
The bottom line? While the law may not mandate it just yet, you don’t have to wait to prioritize your family’s safety.
FAQs
1. Is it compulsory to have 6 airbags in all cars in India from 2025?
No, as of now, it’s not compulsory. The government has not set October 2025 as an official deadline for enforcing the 6 airbags rule.
2. Why was the 6 airbags rule delayed?
The rule was delayed due to concerns over increased car prices, readiness of automakers, and the potential impact on the affordability of small cars.
3. Do any cars in India already come with 6 airbags?
Yes, many models—especially in the mid-range and premium categories—already offer 6 airbags as a standard or optional feature.
4. What are the minimum safety features required in Indian cars today?
As of now, dual front airbags, ABS, reverse parking sensors, and seatbelt reminders are among the mandatory safety rules for all new passenger vehicles.
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