🚨 Panic Button in Vehicles: What It Is and Why It's Mandatory in India (2025 Guide)
What is a Panic Button in Vehicles?
A panic button is a safety feature installed in vehicles to alert emergency services in case of danger, especially for women and child safety. In India, it is now mandatory for certain categories of vehicles to have this installed.
Government Rule on Panic Button (2025 Update)
As per Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), from January 1, 2019, all public transport vehicles (except 2- and 3-wheelers) must be equipped with a GPS and panic button. This mandate continues in 2025 with stricter enforcement.
Applicable Vehicles
- Commercial taxis
- Buses
- School vans
- Fleet vehicles
Exempted Vehicles
- Private two-wheelers
- Personal cars (until made mandatory in future)
How Does the Panic Button Work?
Once the panic button is pressed:
- The location is sent via GPS to the nearest control room.
- Emergency services like police and ambulance are alerted.
- Live tracking of the vehicle begins.
Why Panic Button is Important
- Ensures women and child safety during transit.
- Quick emergency response.
- Helps RTO and Police track vehicle in real-time.
Where is the Panic Button Installed?
It is usually placed near the driver or passengers. In many cases, it’s part of the vehicle infotainment system or placed discretely near dashboard or rear seats for passengers to access easily.
What Happens if Your Vehicle Doesn’t Have One?
In 2025, during RTO fitness inspection or commercial vehicle approval, absence of a panic button may lead to:
- Registration rejection
- Hefty fines
- Permit cancellation
How to Check or Install a Panic Button
Step-by-step:
- Visit an authorized GPS & Panic Button installer.
- Ensure it is AIS 140 certified.
- After installation, get a certificate and upload on Vahan portal.
Conclusion
In 2025, panic buttons are no longer optional—they are a legal necessity in many commercial vehicles. Whether you own a taxi, school van, or are planning to start a fleet business, make sure your vehicle complies with this safety mandate to ensure legal clearance and public safety.
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