Government proposes new safety norms for two-wheeled ambulances

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has proposed a new set of regulations for two-wheeled road ambulances, outlining dedicated safety, equipment and periodic fitness standards under the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989.

1. Two-wheeled ambulances to get dedicated fitness inspection norms
2. Fitness certificate renewal proposed every two years
3. Full AIS:209 compliance for new vehicles from October 1, 2027

What the draft rules propose

Under the draft amendments, two-wheeled road ambulances will undergo dedicated fitness inspections covering the structural integrity of the patient unit, tyres and wheels, emergency warning lights, stretcher mounting and locking mechanisms, patient restraint belts, stretcher loading systems and the presence of a valid fire extinguisher.

The proposal also fixes the validity of renewed fitness certificates for these vehicles at two years.

Compliance timeline

MoRTH has proposed that top-mounted warning lights on two-wheeled ambulances comply with AIS:209 (Part 1) from October 1, 2026. From October 1, 2027, all newly manufactured L2-category two-wheeled ambulances will have to meet the complete AIS:209 standard. These vehicles will also be allowed to operate only within areas notified by the respective state governments.