Airbags are now mandatory for front seat passengers in cars. The Ministry of Roads, Transport and Highways on Friday has made it mandatory for vehicle manufacturers to fit airbag for the person occupying the front seat other than the driver. It will be applicable on vehicles manufactured on & after 1st April, 2021 in case of new models, & 31st August, 2021 in case of existing models.
MORTH issued a notification in this regard on 2nd March, 2021 mandating airbag for the co-driver in respect of motor vehicles used for the carriage of not more than eight passengers in addition to the driver.
These airbags will save the lives of passengers in the event of an accident. Meanwhile, with the implementation of the new rules, vehicle prices are expected to increase by at least Rs 5,000-7,000. Earlier on December 29, 2020, the government had said that it has decided to make double airbags mandatory for new vehicles from April 1, 2021 and for old vehicles from June 1, 2021. The validity of airbags in older vehicles has been extended by three months to 31 August 2021.