The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) notified that trucks in the N2 and N3 categories manufactured on or after 1 October 2025 must be fitted with an air-conditioning system for the driver's cabin.
Which trucks are covered
| Category | Gross vehicle weight |
|---|---|
| N2 | Above 3.5 tonnes, up to 12 tonnes |
| N3 | Above 12 tonnes |
This covers most medium and heavy trucks, tippers and tractor-trailers.
Why it matters
- Driver comfort and safety: long hours in hot cabins cause fatigue, a known factor in road accidents.
- Driver retention: fleet owners have long struggled to find and keep drivers; better cabins help.
What buyers should check
- Confirm the manufacturing date of a new truck, not just the sale date.
- Ask how the AC is specified: a cabin AC or a ventilated cabin, depending on the approved fitment for that model.
- Factor in a small rise in fuel use when the AC is running, and service it before summer.
