India has removed licensing requirements for radio spectrum used by automotive radar and connected-car communication systems, a move that could increase the adoption of advanced safety features and future self-driving technologies.

According to a media sources report, the government has exempted automotive radar systems operating in the 77GHz-81GHz frequency band from licensing requirements. A separate notification also removes licensing requirements for systems operating in the 5.9GHz band, which enables communication between vehicles and roadside infrastructure.

The move brings India into alignment with regulations followed in the United States and Europe, allowing automakers and suppliers to deploy globally developed hardware without requiring market-specific versions. This may reduce costs and simplify deployment.

What does it mean?

Radar sensors are used in several advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), including autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. They are also used in the development of self-driving technologies.

The exemption covering the 5.9GHz band will support vehicle-to-everything (V2X) systems, which enable vehicles to communicate with other vehicles and roadside infrastructure. These systems can warn drivers of hazards beyond their line of sight, such as a vehicle braking around a blind corner or an approaching emergency vehicle.

Luxury brands such as Mercedes-Benz and BMW, which already offer radar-based driver assistance technologies in overseas markets, may be able to deploy the same systems more easily in India. Domestic manufacturers, including Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors, and Mahindra, may also be affected as ADAS features become more widely adopted. Suppliers such as Bosch, Continental, and Qualcomm may also be affected by the regulatory change.

Focus on road safety

India recorded more than 177,000 road fatalities in nearly half a million accidents in 2024, according to government data cited by media sources. The government has stated that technologies such as ADAS and V2X could contribute to road safety, particularly in situations where conventional sensors or driver visibility may be limited.

The latest notifications do not mandate the use of these technologies. However, they remove a regulatory requirement that could make them easier and less costly to introduce in future vehicles.