Helmet mandatory for pillion riders in Visakhapatnam from September 1, say officials

Visakhapatnam police make helmets mandatory for pillion riders from September 1, with fines for non-compliance. Use BIS-marked helmets only.

The city police have issued strict instructions making helmet mandatory for pillion riders also. This rule will come under full-fledged implementation from September 1, District Collector & Road Safety Committee Chairman M.N. Harendhira Prasad and Commissioner of Police Shankabratha Bagchi said in a release on Friday evening.

As per the Andhra Pradesh High Court WP (PIL) No. 116/20254, dated June 26, 2024, the rule will come into effect from September 1 strictly, the officials said.

Mr Bagchi urged the citizens to use only those helmets with BIS mark. He said that those who drive without helmet will be slapped with fine or their driving licence will be suspended for a period of three months under section 194 (d) MV Act.

“A fine of ₹1,035 will be slapped if the person driving the vehicle or even the pillion driver is not wearing the helmet,” the Police Commissioner said.

Mr. Bagchi said that vendors should not sell helmets without BIS mark. He warned that strict action will be initiated against those who sell poor quality helmets.