🛑 New Safety Rules for Bikes in India: Coming Jan 1, 2026
Starting January 1, 2026, the Indian Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has mandated:
- ✅ Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on all new two-wheelers, regardless of engine capacity.
- ✅ Two BIS-certified helmets must be included with every new purchase (rider + pillion).
This is a landmark move in India’s road safety efforts – particularly for two-wheeler riders, who are the most vulnerable on Indian roads.
🧠 Why This Matters: Stats That Speak
- 🚑 Over 1.5 lakh deaths occur on Indian roads annually – 45% involve two-wheelers.
- 🛡️ ABS reduces the risk of fatal crashes by up to 37%, according to WHO and insurance data.
- 🪖 High-quality helmets reduce the risk of head injury by up to 69%.
💸 Impact on Buyers: Price, Models, and Value
| Feature | Before Jan 2026 | After Jan 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Braking System | CBS or ABS (based on cc) | Full ABS mandatory for all |
| Helmet Requirement | Optional | 2 BIS-certified helmets included |
| Estimated Cost Impact | ₹0–₹5,000 | ₹4,000–₹25,000 extra |
| Model Availability | Wider (CBS & ABS mix) | Likely trimmed down to ABS-only |
🏁 Tip: If you’re planning to buy a commuter bike (100–125 cc), expect slight price increases and potentially fewer choices starting 2026.
⚙️ Tech Talk: ABS vs CBS – What’s the Difference?
| Feature | CBS (Combined Braking System) | ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) |
|---|---|---|
| Function | Distributes brake force to both wheels | Prevents wheel lock during sudden braking |
| Effectiveness | Moderate | High |
| Skid Protection | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Mandate Status | Valid till Dec 2025 (for <125cc) | Mandatory from Jan 2026 for all |
🪖 BIS-Certified Helmets: What’s New?
- Must comply with Bureau of Indian Standards (IS 4151).
- Lightweight, high-impact resistance, better ventilation.
- To be included with every new bike sale from Jan 2026.
✅ No more separate helmet purchases – or unsafe half-face knockoffs!
🔍 What It Means for You – The Everyday Rider
Whether you’re a college student buying a scooter, a delivery executive on a commuter bike, or an enthusiast on a sports motorcycle—this rule directly impacts your wallet and your safety.
🧭 What Should You Do Now?
- If planning a purchase before 2026: Compare CBS vs ABS models and get your own BIS helmet.
- If buying after 2026: Factor in the slight price hike, but gain major safety upgrades.
- Ask your dealer: Is this dual-channel ABS? Are the helmets BIS-marked?
🔚 Conclusion
The 2026 ABS and helmet mandate is a game-changer for two-wheeler safety in India. It may slightly increase the upfront cost of bikes—but will drastically improve outcomes for millions of riders.
✅ Safety is not optional anymore—it’s the new standard.
Have a safer ride!
FAQs:
What is the new ABS rule?
Indian government has made it mandatory to have Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on all new two-wheelers, regardless of engine capacity. Also, at the time of bike purchase Two BIS-certified helmets must be included with every new purchase (rider + pillion). These rules will come into force starting 1st of Jan 2026.
ABS mandatory for all bikes?
Yes, ABS has been made mandatory for all bikes (any capacity) starting 1st of Jan 2026. This new rules is a step towards making riding a two wheeler more safe and secure. Also, Two BIS-certified helmets must be included with every new purchase (rider + pillion). These rules will come into force starting 1st of Jan 2026.
What is the new 2 helmet rule?
Indian government has made it mandatory at the time of bike purchase Two BIS-certified helmets must be included with every new purchase (rider + pillion). This rule will come into force starting 1st of Jan 2026. This rule aims at making 2 wheeler ride more safe in India.
What is a BIS certified helmet?
BIS stands for Bureau of Indian Standards. The quality standards agency recommends helmets manufactured to be lightweight, high-impact resistance, better ventilation. Starting 1-Jan-2026, it will be mandatory to include 2 BIS certified helmets with purchase of every 2 wheelers in India. This move will increase the initial cost of purchase but it will be quite effective in making the 2 wheeler ride more safe.
What will be the impact of the new ABS rule?
Starting 1st of Jan 2026, it will be mandatory o have Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on all new two-wheelers, regardless of engine capacity. This rule will impact both the safety and pocket of the users. Safety – it is expected to reduce the accidental fatalities. Pocket – the price of the lower capacity 2 wheelers (125 cc or less) will increase.
