Government of India makes it mandatory for all new cars sold after April 01, 2021 to have Driver and Passenger Side AirBags as standard feature. So even for the lowest entry level variants of all cars and models are needed to have both Passenger and Driver side AirBag.
However, the existing models which are on sale needs to clear their previous stock by August 31, 2021 and get their models fitted with Dual AirBags after that cut off date.
This notifications comes from Press Information Bureau of Ministry of Road Transport twitter account.
What happens to existing cars with or without any AirBags?
If you already have purchased a car, which is few years old and it doesn’t have any airbags, then what?
You don’t have to worry as this new rule only applies on new vehicles. Existing cars, which are already registered won’t be effected by this new rule.
What are mandatory safety rules for cars in India?
There are several small rules like Engine Immobilizer, Driver side out side rear view mirror, collapsible steering wheel, and such, but few important that public pays attentions are,
* Driver and Passenger Side AirBags
* ABS + EBD
* Rear Parking Sensors
* Seatbelt with pre tensioner
How does this AirBags work?
If you are wondering how does these AirBags work, then here is a video of India’s one of the safest car, TATA Nexon getting crash tested by Global NCAP crash testing organization.
Few Important Info..
1. AirBag only works if the passenger and driver is wearing seat belt. Otherwise even in a crash, the AirBags won’t deploy.
2. AirBag sensors are located mainly in front bumper or behind the bumper and such areas. Installing Bull Bars and additional after market metal bumper protection fitment may hamper with those sensor data collection process and fail to deploy in case of a crash.
So avoid fitting those extra bumper guards and always wear seat belts.
