What happened
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has published draft cyber security rules for approval of vehicles in categories L, M and N under G.S.R. 503(E) dated 17 June 2026. The draft refers to AIS-189 and AIS-190 as the relevant standards.
In a written reply in the Lok Sabha, the Minister of State for Heavy Industries stated that cyber security regulations have not been framed for E-rickshaw and E-kart. The reply also said that battery safety requirements for L-category electric vehicles must meet AIS 156, and electric power train safety must comply with AIS 038 Rev. (2).
Background and earlier position
Vehicle certification in India already runs through the approval framework under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989. The reply highlights Rule 126 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, which requires every manufacturer or importer of a motor vehicle, including an electric vehicle, to submit the prototype to a testing agency notified under that rule.
The testing agency then issues a Type Approval Certificate after certifying compliance with the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989. That makes type approval the main gatekeeping mechanism for safety and compliance before vehicles enter the market.
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