Cracking Down on Silent Vehicles: Australian Government Introduces Noisemaking Devices for Safety

Are near silent vehicles a silent threat to pedestrian safety?

The federal government is taking action to address the safety concerns posed by nearly silent vehicles on the road. Electric and hydrogen fuel cell powered vehicles will soon be required to have Acoustic Vehicle Alerting Systems (AVAS) to improve pedestrian safety. This new design rule will ensure that these vehicles emit a safety alert when traveling at low speeds in areas such as car parks, intersections, and driveways.

Recently, the federal government announced its plans to legislate noise making devices for nearly silent vehicles in order to enhance pedestrian safety. The growing number of electric and hydrogen fuel cell powered cars, trucks, and buses traveling at low speeds will now be obligated to comply with a new design rule proposed by the Albanese Government. This rule will require the installation of Acoustic Vehicle Alerting Systems (AVAS). These systems generate safety alerts or sounds when almost silent vehicles are operating at low speeds in specific areas like car parks, intersections, and driveways.

It’s worth noting that this compliance measure isn’t limited to battery electric vehicles (BEVs) only; it also applies to other quiet vehicles powered by hybrid or hydrogen fuel cell engines. While conventional petrol or diesel engines are naturally noisier, making them easier for pedestrians to detect, the government recognizes the increased risk posed by near silent vehicles. This risk is particularly significant for visually impaired individuals who heavily rely on sound to navigate the road network independently.

As of November 2025, a new Australian Design Rule (ADR) will be implemented, necessitating the installation of AVAS in new electric, hybrid, and hydrogen fuel cell cars, trucks, and buses. While AVAS has been used in small Japanese-made trucks when reversing and some passenger vehicles for several decades, its application in new, nearly silent vehicles is expected to significantly improve audibility in critical pedestrian areas.

The government has provided assurance that vehicles with AVAS will not be noisier than conventional petrol or diesel vehicles. Extensive consultations took place during the drafting of the Impact Analysis, which proposed the mandate for AVAS in light vehicles. This proposal received strong support from state and territory governments, the blind and low-vision community, and vehicle manufacturers.

Studies indicate that the implementation of the new ADR could potentially prevent approximately 68 fatalities, 2675 serious injuries, and 2962 minor injuries by the year 2060. Additionally, it is estimated that this measure could save the Australian community a total of $208 million.

This initiative has garnered widespread support among government offices. Catherine King, the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, and Local Government, emphasized the government’s dedication to road safety, stating, ‘This is another example of our Government’s commitment to road safety.’ Furthermore, the Albanese Government’s decision to introduce AVAS was hailed as a significant win by the blind and low-vision community, who have long advocated for alert systems of this nature in Australia.

Amanda Rishworth, the Minister for Social Services, highlighted the importance of inclusivity in building a cleaner, greener future. She praised the Albanese Government for listening to and addressing the concerns of various sectors of society. Bill Shorten, the Minister for the National Disability Insurance, echoed these sentiments, expressing his satisfaction with the new Design Rule that will improve road safety for all individuals on Australian roads.

While the introduction of AVAS has been well-received, Daimler Truck Australia has emphasized the need for additional protective measures for pedestrians. While AVAS has been a feature in Daimler Truck’s Fuso eCanter since its launch in 2021, the company believes that pedestrians require more than just audible alerts. Daimler Truck Australia Pacific president and CEO, Daniel Whitehead, expressed gratitude for the mandate of AVAS in electric trucks but stressed the importance of proactive safety measures. He stated, ‘Pedestrians need more protection than that.’

Furthermore, Daimler Truck Sales and Marketing Vice President, Andrew Assimo, cautioned customers to carefully consider the details when purchasing electric trucks. He emphasized the importance of factors such as dealership support, efficient eAxle technology, and local testing in Australian conditions in addition to safety features. According to Assimo, these considerations are crucial to ensuring a reliable and high-quality electric truck.

With the introduction of AVAS and the government’s commitment to road safety, pedestrians can feel more secure when sharing the road with nearly silent vehicles. Not only does this initiative address the specific needs of visually impaired individuals, but it also contributes to a safer road environment for all. By mandating AVAS in certain vehicles and encouraging the adoption of additional safety measures, the Australian government demonstrates its dedication to creating an inclusive and protected society.

Considering the potential risks associated with near silent vehicles, it is clear that proactive measures such as AVAS can play a crucial role in reducing accidents and enhancing pedestrian safety. The implementation of AVAS in new vehicles from November 2025 is a significant step forward in ensuring a harmonious coexistence between pedestrians and the growing number of electric and hydrogen fuel cell powered vehicles on Australian roads.

• The Albanese Government is mandating the fitting of AVAS in nearly silent vehicles.
• The compliance measure applies to electric, hybrid, and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.
• The government aims to reduce the risk of collisions, especially for visually impaired individuals who rely on sound cues.
• A new Australian Design Rule (ADR) will require AVAS in new vehicles from November 2025.
• The implementation of AVAS is expected to save lives, prevent injuries, and save the Australian community money.
• Daimler Truck Australia calls for additional pedestrian protection beyond AVAS for electric trucks.

The Australian government’s decision to legislate noise making devices for nearly silent vehicles demonstrates its commitment to pedestrian safety. By mandating the installation of Acoustic Vehicle Alerting Systems (AVAS) in electric, hybrid, and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, the government aims to reduce the risk of collisions, particularly for visually impaired individuals who rely on sound cues. This initiative has garnered widespread support and is projected to save lives, prevent injuries, and save the Australian community millions of dollars. However, companies like Daimler Truck Australia call for additional measures to protect pedestrians beyond AVAS. With the implementation of AVAS and other safety measures, pedestrians can feel more secure on the roads.