India, with its rapidly growing population and urbanisation, faces a lot of challenges in ensuring road safety rules. When a person drives a two-wheeler on the road, it becomes important to ensure that they are following the road safety instructions. The foremost safety rule while driving a two-wheeler is wearing a suitable helmet. Wearing a helmet ensures that a person’s head and face are saved from major injury if there is an accident on the road. Moreover, having a third-party insurance policy for two-wheelers is also mandatory as per the Motor Vehicles Act in India.
What are the helmet laws followed in India?
According to the Motor Vehicles Act (1988), people on two-wheelers must wear helmets. Over the years, several amendments have been made to the Motor Vehicles Act so that it has more inclusions and covers a wide range of aspects when it comes to riding on the roads in India. For instance,
- The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act 2019 made some additions to clause 63, which includes increased penalties for several traffic offences. The amendment made was an increased penalty for not wearing a helmet.
- Section 129 of this Act mentions that any individual aged 4 years and above has to compulsorily wear protective headgear or helmet while riding a bike, and this rule applies to both the drivers and the pillion riders.
- Section 129(a) states that helmets should be of quality materials and have a shape that offers maximum protection to the people wearing them.
- Section 129(b) states that fastening the helmets properly to the head of the driver and the pillion rider is a must.
- As per Section 194D of the Act, if we don’t comply with the helmet rules in India, we might have to pay a fine of Rs. 1000 or face licence suspension for three months.
- A turban-wearing Sikh is exempt from the motorcycle helmet laws in India.
Conclusion
A person should follow the new regulations made by the Motor Vehicles Act on helmet rules in India, as avoiding the use of a helmet can prove harmful. Make a habit of wearing helmets, and also make sure to inculcate this habit in your family members to ensure their safety. Additionally, ensuring your bike insurance is up-to-date is crucial for comprehensive protection on the road. Also, there should not be more than two riders on board under any circumstances, irrespective of their age, because this will help you travel safely.