AIS-140, explained without the jargon
If you run buses, cabs, or goods vehicles, this page tells you exactly what's required, what happens if you skip it, and how we handle it end-to-end.
A government-defined standard for public-vehicle tracking
AIS-140 is a standard specified by ARAI that defines what a Vehicle Location Tracking Device (VLTD) and emergency panic-button system must do — accurate live location reporting, tamper detection, and a direct emergency alert path — before it can be certified for use in public service vehicles.
It was introduced nationally as a passenger-safety measure, and state transport departments have progressively made certified VLTD fitment a condition for registering or renewing permits on mandated vehicle categories.
Vehicle categories typically mandated
School & staff buses
Passenger vehicles carrying students or employees for hire.
Taxis & cabs
App-based and traditional cabs registered as public service vehicles.
Buses & goods carriers
State and private buses, and goods vehicles in states extending the mandate.
Exact scope and enforcement date vary by state. Tell us your vehicle category and registration state and we'll confirm your current requirement before you spend anything.
What non-compliance actually costs you
In mandated states, RTOs treat certified VLTD fitment as a documented pre-requisite for permit issue, permit renewal, and fitness certificate renewal on covered vehicle categories. A non-compliant vehicle risks delays right when you need papers cleared — not a cost you want to discover at renewal time.
Compliance, end-to-end — not just a device sale
Compliance check
We confirm what your vehicle category requires in your state before you spend anything.
Certified device fitment
AIS-140 certified VLTD installed by our trained network, matched to your vehicle type.
RTO documentation
We prepare the fitment certificate and paperwork your RTO needs for permit/fitness renewal.
Ongoing monitoring
Renewal reminders and device-health alerts so you never lapse out of compliance.
Certification documentation, on request
We provide AIS-140 certification documentation for our VLTD line during your consultation, and keep it on file to support your RTO submission — so you can verify compliance before you install, not after.
Straight answers
What is AIS-140?
AIS-140 is a standard specified by ARAI (Automotive Research Association of India) that defines requirements for Vehicle Location Tracking Devices (VLTD) and emergency panic-button systems fitted to public service vehicles, introduced as part of a nationwide passenger-safety initiative.
Which vehicles are required to fit an AIS-140 device?
In most states, public service vehicles — buses, taxis/cabs, school and staff transport, and in several states goods carriers — must fit a certified VLTD as a condition of registration, permit issue, or fitness certificate renewal. Requirements are set and enforced state-by-state, so the exact scope depends on where your vehicle is registered.
What happens if my vehicle isn't compliant?
Non-compliant vehicles risk delays or refusal at permit issue, permit renewal, or fitness certificate renewal by the RTO, since VLTD fitment is a documented pre-requisite in most mandated states. Requirements and enforcement vary by state — we'll confirm the current position for your registration state before you commit.
Is Trackdown's tracker actually certified, or just 'compatible'?
Our commercial-vehicle VLTD line is built to the AIS-140 specification. Certification documentation is available on request during your consultation so you can verify it before installation, and we keep it on file for your RTO submission.
Do you handle the RTO paperwork, or just the device?
Both. We install the certified device and prepare the fitment documentation your RTO requires — you're not left to interpret the paperwork yourself.
I only have personal vehicles, not a commercial fleet — does this apply to me?
No — AIS-140 applies to public service and commercial vehicle categories. Personal cars and bikes aren't mandated, though many owners still choose certified-grade trackers for the same build quality. See our Personal Vehicle Security solution instead.
Confirm your AIS-140 requirement, free
Tell us your vehicle type and registration state — we'll tell you exactly what's required and quote certified devices.