Helmets become mandatory for pillion-riders from Tuesday, but the authorities will allow a grace period of two months before enforcement becomes strict.
A senior Transport Department official said the government issued the notification on December 26 in keeping with a directive from the Supreme Court’s Road Safety Committee. If the government had delayed the decision further, it could have faced contempt of court charges.
The government is keen not to create hassles for two-wheeler riders, and wants to allow them enough time to buy new helmets. Transport Minister B Ramalinga Reddy said, “About 30 per cent of all road accident deaths involve two-wheeler riders in Karnataka. People should buy good quality helmets with an ISI mark.”
The traffic police haven’t formally heard from the Transport Department though. Additional Commissioner for Police (Traffic) M A Saleem said, “Once we receive an order, we will allow a grace period and then start implementing it. We will educate pillion-riders.”