Starting from November 1, 2025, all new electric vehicles (EVs) in Australia must be equipped with an Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS). This new regulation, introduced by the Australian Government, aims to enhance road safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and visually impaired individuals as the number of EVs continues to rise across the country.
The implementation of ADR 113/00 – Acoustic Vehicle Alerting Systems for Quiet Road Transport Vehicles – is a two-stage rollout. Initially, it will apply to new model lines of electric, hybrid, and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles submitted for type approval. A year later, on November 1, 2026, the rule will encompass all new quiet road transport vehicles manufactured for the Australian market. This phased approach ensures that various vehicle types, including passenger cars, vans, trucks, and buses, will comply with the regulation, ultimately making streets safer for everyone.
Understanding AVAS and Its Importance
The Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System is specifically designed to generate sound at low speeds, which activates when a vehicle is stationary or moving up to 20 km/h. This continuous synthetic sound alerts nearby road users, while normal road noise at higher speeds typically makes vehicles audible without additional alerts. The sound is regulated to prevent noise pollution, maintaining a maximum sound pressure level of 75 dBA, comparable to the noise produced by a standard dishwasher.
The primary objective of mandating AVAS is to protect vulnerable road users such as children, cyclists, and individuals with visual impairments. These groups often rely on auditory signals to navigate busy environments, and the quiet operation of EVs significantly increases the risk of collisions. According to the Australian Government, the long-term implementation of AVAS is projected to prevent 68 fatalities, 2,675 serious injuries, and 2,962 minor injuries by 2060. Economically, the initiative could save the community approximately A$208 million by reducing hospitalizations and emergency service costs.
Support and Global Alignment
The introduction of the AVAS rule has garnered support from various sectors, including the automotive industry and community safety advocates. Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme Bill Shorten emphasized the rule’s potential to enhance road safety for all Australians. He remarked, “This new Design Rule will ultimately improve road safety for everyone on our roads.”
Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Carol Brown highlighted that Australia is aligning with international standards, noting that AVAS technology is already mandated in regions such as the European Union, the United Kingdom, Japan, and the United States. “This is our opportunity to catch up with the developed world. This technology will go a long way to preventing pedestrian crashes, especially for our most vulnerable,” Brown stated.
The AVAS requirement is seen as a significant achievement for advocacy groups that have long lobbied for enhanced safety measures for vulnerable communities.
Existing Compliance and Future Implications
While the ADR is newly established in Australia, many manufacturers have already been integrating AVAS into their vehicles to comply with regulations in larger international markets. For instance, Tesla has been equipping its models with a Pedestrian Warning System (PWS) for several years, ensuring many popular EVs on Australian roads, such as the Model 3 and Model Y, are already compliant. Owners of older models have even been provided with retrofit options through the manufacturer’s service channels.
This proactive approach by manufacturers illustrates that the integration of AVAS does not detract from the driving experience but rather adds an essential layer of safety. As the transition to electric vehicles continues, the inclusion of AVAS signifies a crucial step in ensuring that environmental advancements do not compromise the safety of vulnerable road users.
The rollout of the AVAS regulation represents a significant evolution in how Australia manages the increasing prevalence of electric vehicles, blending innovation with safety to create a more secure road environment. For more details, visit the Australian Government’s infrastructure website.
