From January 2026, all new two-wheelers to come with ABS and dual helmets
From January 2026, the government will be introducing the mandate of selling every two-wheeler, irrespective of capacity, with ABS and two BIS-certified helmets.
New Delhi: In a big move aimed at improving road safety, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has announced that all new two-wheelers sold from January 2026 will have an anti-lock braking system(ABS), irrespective of the engine capacity. Further, the mandate states that it will be necessary for dealers to provide two BIS-certified helmets for each new vehicle, one for the rider and one for the pillion passenger.
This decision, when enforced from next month, is expected to address a vital cause for road fatalities for two-wheeler riders. According a data from the government, a huge number of two-wheeler accidents involve brake-related skidding and head injuries, which the new rules will target to reduce.
Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari had noted back in June that making ABS compulsory, along with mandating the supply of two helmets with two-wheelers, is part of the government’s larger push to improve safety on road safety. Further, he had noted that the decision had been taken following extensive discussions with vehicle manufacturers, road safety specialists and even transport departments.
The decision is being welcomed, though the price increase is a point of concern for many. However, the government has maintained that the small price increase is justified by the potential to significantly cut down fatalities and serious injuries.