Two Helmets Now Compulsory with Bikes
"New rule aims to enhance road safety and curb fatalities starting January 7, 2025"
India is often referred to as the “road accident capital” due to the alarming number of traffic fatalities—over 100,000 deaths annually. To curb road accidents, both government and private initiatives are regularly introduced. Thousands of two-wheeler riders die each year due to the non-use of helmets. In response, the Pune RTO has mandated the provision of two helmets with every new two-wheeler purchase, effective from January 7, 2025. This regulation aims to reduce road fatalities significantly.
The helmet manufacturers’ association has praised this initiative, emphasizing the importance of safety. Under this rule, two helmets—one for the rider and another for the pillion—must be provided by dealers with every new two-wheeler. The Pune RTO enforces this regulation under Rule 138 of the Motor Vehicles Act to promote road safety and save lives.
Rajeev Kapur, President of the Two-Wheeler Helmet Manufacturers Association and MD of Steelbird Helmets, expressed his support for the initiative, calling it progressive and necessary. He noted that ensuring both riders and pillion passengers wear helmets underscores their life-saving importance. Kapur also highlighted the issue of counterfeit helmets, revealing that some dealers offer low-quality, fake helmets priced below ₹130, labeled with an MRP of ₹1,000. These fake helmets, lacking genuine ISI certification, offer no real protection and can be fatal in accidents. The new RTO rule is expected to ensure that only BIS-certified helmets are provided to buyers.
