A major decision has been made to improve the safety of two-wheelers in India.
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has announced that from 2026, it will be compulsory for all two-wheelers to have ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System).
In addition, at the time of delivery, dealers must provide two BIS-certified helmets—one for the rider and one for the pillion. Let’s understand this in detail.
Models Affected:
Yamaha MT-15 V2
Royal Enfield Hunter 350
Hero Splendor Plus XTEC
KTM 390 Duke
TVS Ronin
Hero Xtreme 125R
New Rules from January 1, 2026 – What Will Change?
The new rules will take effect on January 1, 2026, and aim to reduce severe injuries and deaths in two-wheeler accidents.
Government data shows that most two-wheeler deaths are due to skidding while braking and head injuries.
What Was the Old Rule?
Earlier, ABS was required only in bikes with engines of 125cc or more. Bikes below 125cc had to use CBS (Combined Braking System).
But under the new rules, ABS will be mandatory in all two-wheelers, regardless of engine size—whether 100cc or 500cc.
What is ABS and Why is it Important?
ABS stands for Anti-Lock Braking System. It prevents the wheels from locking during sudden braking, reducing the chances of skidding and helping the rider stay in control.
ABS is safer than CBS, especially on slippery roads or during rain. It helps keep the bike balanced while braking.
Why Two Helmets?
Head injury is the main cause of death in road accidents. To improve safety, the government has made helmets compulsory for both the rider and the pillion.
Dealers must give two BIS-certified helmets at delivery. Cheap, fake, or non-certified helmets will not be allowed. This rule will ensure good helmet quality.
How Will This Affect Buyers?
While safety will improve, bike prices may rise. The cost of adding ABS and providing two helmets could increase the price of entry-level bikes like Hero Splendor, Honda Shine 100, and Bajaj Platina 100 by ₹5,000 or more.
Since these bikes are popular in small towns and rural areas, low-budget buyers might feel the pinch.
Final Thoughts
This step will significantly improve road safety. In a country like India, where lakhs of people die in two-wheeler accidents every year, making ABS and helmets mandatory is an important move.
Even if it makes bikes slightly costlier, life is more valuable. If you plan to buy a bike after 2026, it’s better to start preparing now.
