Helmet mandatory for riders in Puducherry from January 1

The Puducherry Traffic Police have decided to strictly enforce the helmet rule from January 1, 2025, for the riders. Strict instructions have been issued to all Traffic police personnel and the rule will come be fully implemented, with fines for non-compliance.

Although the Union government and the Supreme Court committee on road safety had directed the Puducherry government to implement the helmet rule for both two-wheeler and pillion riders in the past, the implementation of the rule turned out to be a damp squib even before it could take off.

In 2019, the government put on hold its decision to make helmet wearing mandatory for two-wheeler riders because of strong objections from the public and political parties. The government then took the stand that the rule mandated by the court had to be implemented at one point and that the government wanted to create awareness among two-wheeler riders on the importance of wearing helmets.

According to Senior Superintendent of Police (Traffic) Praveen Kumar Tripathi, “The Motor Vehicle Rules already mandate helmet usage for both the rider and pillion rider. From January 1, the traffic police will strictly enforce the rule and will show zero tolerance towards all riders who do not wear helmets. Riding without helmets attracts a fine of ₹1,000 and their licenses will be suspended for three months.”

In addition to the enforcement squad, personnel of the Puducherry police will join hands to book helmet-less two-wheeler riders. Before implementing the rules, the Police personnel will be conducting awareness campaigns at various traffic junctions to educate the pubic about the use of helmets for their safety.

As the authorities fear protests and objections from various quarters if they crack the whip from day one, the police has decided to sensitise erring motorcyclists initially before moving to stern action, including imposing fines from January 1.

As part of the campaign, the Traffic police distributed flowers to those two-wheeler riders wearing a helmet at various traffic junctions in the city. “The idea is to encourage and motivate two-wheeler users to wear a helmet for their personal safety. The campaign is part of the larger road safety perspective.,” an official said.

According to statistics available with the police, more than half of the total accident cases reported in the Union Territory involved two-wheelers. Of the 1,013 accident cases reported in Puducherry region in 2021, mishaps involving two-wheelers accounted to 580.

Published - December 17, 2024 10:42 pm IST