6 Airbag in A Car: Why the rule of 6 airbags in the car got suspended? Know what is the government’s preparation – draft car norms on mandatory 6 airbags, seat belts lapse

New Delhi: The Road Transport Ministry was preparing to implement new rules to make the vehicles more safe on the road. The ministry is preparing to make at least 6 airbags mandatory in vehicles that can seat 8 people. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) had decided to increase the safety features by amending the Central Motor Vehicles Rules (CMVR), 1989 to enhance the safety of the people. According to sources, the road transport ministry’s draft notification for mandatory provisions for all new cars – six airbags, rear seat belt alarm etc from October 2023 – is out. No final decision has been taken on this. In such a situation, now the ministry will have to issue a new draft notification and follow the whole process by taking suggestions and objections. According to the report, almost all the car companies had informed the ministry to meet the deadline of October 2023. A company had sought more time to introduce six airbags in existing models. The company had informed the government that it was ready to provide airbags in all new models from October. However, the officials of the ministry refused to comment on this. A company spokesperson did not respond to TOI’s queries on whether the company has suggested different timelines for providing six airbags in the all-new model and the existing one.

Sources said the government is in continuous talks with the automobile industry to find a way out. The government is looking to see if they can reach a consensus for an October deadline. According to the rule, the ministry can issue a new draft notification.

According to industry sources, the government should consider setting an October 1 deadline for mandatory provision of six airbags, rear seatbelt alarms and three-point seat belts in all new car models. All car manufacturers are ready for this.

At present, the provision of only two airbags for the driver and front seat passenger is mandatory in all cars. Under the proposed rule, “cars will be fitted with two side/side torso airbags, one each for occupants seated in front row outboard seating positions, and two side curtain/tube airbags, one each for outboard seating Will be for the people sitting on the position.