ABS Mandatory From 2026: Every year, thousands of people lose their lives in two-wheeler accidents in India. As per recent data, around 79,500 people lost their lives in 2023 in accidents related to two-wheelers. The Indian government, along with the two-wheeler manufacturers, is making efforts to curb two-wheeler accidents in the country. In a similar effort to enhance the safety of two-wheeler riders, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has made ABS mandatory for all two-wheelers in India, starting January 1, 2026.
ABS And Two Helmets Made Mandatory
The ministry announced in June 2025 that all upcoming two-wheelers, regardless of their engine size, should come equipped with ABS from January 2026 onwards. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has also made it mandatory for two-wheeler dealerships to provide two BIS-certified helmets with a new vehicle. The ministry announced the move in June 2025 to provide time to the two-wheeler manufacturers of the country.
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Cost Will Also Increase?
As per the government data, skidding due to sudden braking is one of the key reasons behind severe head injuries, which often result in fatalities. Therefore, the government has made it mandatory for all new two-wheelers to come equipped with ABS. While the move is aimed at enhancing the safety of two-wheelers in the country, it is also expected to result in costlier entry-level vehicles due to the addition of new hardware. The prices of the entry-level two-wheelers are expected to hike by up to Rs 8000 due to the move.