On August 3, 2022, India’s Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) announced to amend the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, stating that it is mandatory for N2 (maximum mass between 3.5 to 12 tons) and N3 (maximum mass exceeds 12 tons) vehicles carrying dangerous goods to be fitted with a vehicle tracking system device.
This mandate applies to new vehicles manufactured on and after September 1, 2022, and existing vehicles from January 1, 2023. Tracking system devices shall be operated in accordance with the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) standard AIS-140.
The amendment came as the road safety of dangerous goods brought up a great concern in India. Earlier in February, the Ministry issued a draft amendment of Central Motor Vehicles Rules to mandate the installation of tracking system devices on vehicles for road transport of dangerous goods. However, it did not specify the exact type of vehicles, which raised objections from the stakeholders. To ensure clarity and effectiveness, after duly consideration, the Minister has detailed the vehicle types subject to mandate in the final amendments.
