Mandatory Dual Airbags Rule from Jan 1: No extension of deadline, confirms government

The government on Thursday announced that there will be no extension of the deadline for the mandatory rule on dual airbags in vehicles which is December 31, 2021.  According to the newly notified rule, the ministry said that airbags for both the front seats are mandatory in new vehicles manufactured on and after April 01, 2021.

For the same old vehicles, the ministry had said that by August 31, it was mandatory to install airbags for co-passengers in addition to the front driver's seat in the existing models of new vehicles. This deadline was extended by the government till 31 December. But now the government will not take it forward.

This step of the government will ensure the safety of the passengers in the event of an accident.

Key Highlights of the new rule:

-Airbags mandatory for both front seats in cars

-Old vehicles extended till 31st December

-Government will not extend the deadline

-Car will not be available without airbag from January 1

-Old car owners had to install dual airbags in existing models before December 31, 2021

-Cars can be a bit expensive because of this

-There may be an increase in the price of the car by Rs 5000-7000

Airbags in budget vehicles should conform to the Automotive Industry Standard (AIS) 145. These should be notified under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act 2016.

At present, the companies offer dual front airbags feature only in the top variants.

After this decision of the government, car makers can increase the prices of cars by Rs 5000 to 7000.