Karnataka: Riding without helmet will now attract fine of Rs 1,000

Riding a two-wheeler without wearing a helmet will now lead to the suspension of driving licence in Karnataka. State govt has imposed a 3-month suspension of driving license along with a penalty in case of violation of the rule.

According to the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act 2019, riding a two-wheeler without a helmet on attracts a fine of Rs 1,000 and a three-month suspension of licence. However, the state government had reduced the fine amount to Rs 500 after a public outcry, while the three-month suspension rule was never put into force. 

“The rule has been implemented with immediate effect across the State. Both the rider and the pillion should wear helmet,” a senior official of the Transport Department said.

A senior police officer of Bengaluru Traffic Police said riding without helmet was the highest among traffic violations in the city and that such infringements had increased after easing of the lockdown restrictions.

Karnataka has 1.65 crore registered two-wheelers including 59.9 lakh in Bengaluru.