To strengthen road safety and improve traffic enforcement, the Indian government is set to introduce regulations for radar devices used to measure the speed of vehicles. According to draft rules prepared by the Legal Metrology Division of the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, all radar devices will have to undergo verification and obtain official approval before deployment.

These rules fall under the Legal Metrology (General) Rules, 2011, and are specifically applicable to microwave Doppler radar equipment, which is widely used in traffic speed monitoring. The aim is to ensure accuracy and reliability in speed detection, which is crucial for reducing road accidents and effectively enforcing traffic laws.

Moreover, the framework for these regulations was developed after consultation with key stakeholders including the Indian Institute of Legal Metrology (IILM), Regional Reference Laboratories (RRSLs), manufacturers and vehicle certification organisations. A draft of the rules was published for public consultation, and the inputs received have been carefully examined.

The ministry said in a statement that "the suggestions received during various consultations have been carefully processed, and the rules are likely to be notified soon." These rules are in line with the standards set by the International Organization of Legal Metrology (OIML), which incorporate global compliance and best practices.

Verified radar equipment ensures accurate measurement of speed and distance, thereby reducing errors that compromise road safety. The Ministry of Consumer Affairs has highlighted the importance of reliable data in traffic enforcement, saying, "Reliable speed measurement will not only help identify speed violations but will also help prevent unsafe driving behavior, which can reduce accidents and damage to road infrastructure."

What are the new radar rules?: According to reports, new rules developed under the Legal Metrology (General) Rules, 2011, will require mandatory verification and stamping of radar devices used to measure the speed of vehicles. These rules specifically target microwave Doppler radar devices, which are widely deployed by traffic enforcement agencies. Before being put to use, every radar device will have to undergo verification to ensure accuracy in measuring speed and distance. Verified devices will also receive an official seal certifying compliance with industry and international standards.

Why are these rules being implemented?: There has been an alarming increase in road accidents in India. According to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, 461,312 road accidents were recorded in the country in 2022, in which 168,491 deaths and 443,366 injuries occurred. These figures show an increase of 11.9 percent in accidents, 9.4 percent in mortality and 15.3 percent in injuries compared to 2021.

Inaccurate speed measurement devices can jeopardize enforcement and road safety. They can fail to identify speed violations, allowing unsafe driving practices to continue. As the Ministry of Consumer Affairs states, "Inaccurate speed measurements can undermine road safety by failing to detect speed violations, thereby increasing the risk to road users."
How were the rules developed?

The Legal Metrology Division of the Ministry of Consumer Affairs developed the rules in consultation with several stakeholders:
Indian Institute of Legal Metrology (IILM)
Regional Reference Laboratories (RRSL)
Radar Equipment Manufacturers
Vehicle Certification Organisations

The draft rules were also published for public consultation. The ministry reviewed all the suggestions and relevant feedback has also been incorporated. The rules are going to be officially notified soon. The ministry has said in a statement, "The suggestions received among various consultations are being carefully examined. And the rules are going to be notified soon."

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