Low-speed acoustic alerts mandated for new electric, hybrid vehicles in Australia

A new Australian Design Rule (ADR) has been introduced, mandating that electric vehicles must emit an audible alert at low speed to improve safety.

The Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS) will be introduced from November 2025, requiring new electric, hybrid and hydrogen vehicles to emit a safety alert or sound at low speeds in car parks, intersections and driveways.

Quiet electric vehicles are difficult to hear compared to internal combustion vehicles and could pose a risk to pedestrians, especially those with hearing or vision impairments and those who rely on sound to negotiate the road network independently.

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ADR 113/00 will require new electric, hybrid and hydrogen fuel cell cars, trucks and buses to be fitted with an AVAS system from November 2025.

“As more and more Australians choose to drive EVs we are committed to ensuring that they are safe for both driver and others using the road. This is a significant win for the blind and low-vision community who have long been advocating for alert systems like this to be introduced in Australia,” said Catherine King, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government.

No louder than a conventional vehicle, AVAS will make EVs easier to hear by emitting a sound when travelling at low speeds, such as in car parks, intersections and driveways.

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The Federal Government expects audible alerts to prevent 68 fatalities, 2675 serious injuries and 2962 minor injuries by 2060, with an estimated saving of $208 million to the Australian community.

The AVAS was strongly supported by state and territory governments, the blind and low-vision community, and vehicle manufacturers.

“This technology will go a long way to preventing pedestrian crashes, especially for our most vulnerable,” said Carol Brown, Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Transport.

Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth said the new rule is "another example of how making a reasonable adjustment for people with disabilities can actually make life better for everyone".

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Vision Australia's manager of government relations and advocacy Chris Edwards spoke of the organisation's support for the AVAS implementation.

“Vision Australia has been calling for AVAS to be introduced since 2018. We are ecstatic and congratulate the current federal government for listening to our concerns and acting on this very important issue," he said.

"All pedestrians should have the right to feel safe and confident when navigating public spaces and today’s announcement is a significant step forward towards protecting that for people who are blind or have low vision.”

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