Maharashtra’s New Helmet Rule Targets Both Riders and Co-passengers

Pune, 28th November 2024: Concerned by the rising number of road accidents, injuries, and fatalities involving helmetless two-wheeler riders and co-passengers, the Maharashtra Additional Director General of Police (Traffic) has directed all Police Commissioners and Superintendents of Police across the state to take strict action against violators. The new directive mandates penalties not only for riders but also for co-passengers who fail to wear helmets.

The order, issued shortly after the Assembly Elections, has reignited debates about the necessity of helmets for both riders and passengers. Previously, traffic authorities penalized only riders without helmets, but under the new rules, co-passengers will also face fines. To facilitate this, the e-challan system used by traffic police has been updated to include provisions for issuing fines to co-passengers. The letter from the Director General highlights that the Motor Vehicle Act provides for penalizing helmetless co-passengers to ensure enhanced road safety.

In Pune, the enforcement of helmet rules is already underway. Approximately 4,000 helmetless riders are penalized daily through on-ground checks and CCTV surveillance. However, officials have observed that many violators fail to pay fines. To address this, traffic authorities are considering placing such cases before the People’s Court, urging offenders to settle their dues.

A review of road accidents over the past five years has revealed an alarming increase in incidents involving unhelmeted riders and passengers. The analysis emphasizes that non-compliance with helmet rules has been a significant factor in the rise of fatalities and injuries. Authorities believe that stringent enforcement of the Motor Vehicle Act’s helmet provisions is essential to ensure the safety of all two-wheeler occupants.