Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Apr 18: In a major step to enhance road safety and ensure fair traffic enforcement, the Centre has introduced new rules for radar-based speed measuring devices, mandating their legal verification and calibration.
Announced by the Department of Consumer Affairs on Friday, the new regulations will come into effect from July 1, 2025, giving ample time for manufacturers and enforcement agencies to align with the standards.
Under these rules, all radar equipment used to measure vehicle speed must be verified and stamped by Legal Metrology authorities. This measure is aimed at ensuring that such devices are not only accurate and tamper-proof but also operate reliably across various environmental conditions.
According to the official statement, these verified systems will bolster public trust, improve enforcement transparency, and ensure legal compliance in cases of traffic violations. Accurate speed detection also plays a key role in reducing road accidents, maintaining smooth traffic flow, and protecting infrastructure from undue stress.
The new standards draw from international guidelines, particularly the OIML R 91, and were formulated with input from key stakeholders, including state metrology departments, manufacturers, RRSLs (Regional Reference Standard Laboratories), and consumer advocacy groups.
For everyday drivers, this means better protection from inaccurate speed readings and unfair fines. With scientifically validated equipment in place, drivers can feel more confident that speed enforcement is both fair and precise.
For law enforcement, the move brings improved credibility and operational efficiency. Certified devices provide solid, tamper-resistant data, allowing officers to enforce speed limits based on reliable evidence.
Meanwhile, manufacturers benefit from a clear technical framework that aligns with global norms. This not only encourages domestic innovation but also boosts international competitiveness, as devices built under these guidelines meet global export requirements.
At a broader level, the reform contributes to data-driven traffic governance, helps reduce road fatalities, and promotes economic sustainability by limiting accident-related costs and infrastructure damage.
The initiative also forms a part of India's broader push to modernize its legal metrology framework, ensuring that enforcement tools are not only scientifically sound but legally robust.