Helmet Rules In India 2025 - A Complete Guide
Helmets are the most important thing when it comes to road safety in India. In a country, where two-wheelers constitute a major chunk of the entire road traffic, the importance of wearing helmets is not something that can be ignored. The use of helmets while riding two-wheelers goes beyond just following the rules and regulations - it is a matter of the individual’s safety.
Nowadays, in Indian traffic rules, helmets are compulsory for two wheeler riders. Similarly, existing laws require all two-wheeler owners to at least have third-party two wheeler insurance. If you do not follow these regulations, it will lead to fines and other huge penalties which can affect you and your permit for riding your vehicle.
In this article, let's learn more about existing and new helmet rules in India 2024 that save you from possible accidents and huge penalties.
Rules for Wearing Helmets in India
Wearing a helmet has been required by law since the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988. Due to the increasing number of bike accidents, the law was updated in the Motor Vehicles Act of 2013, which added stricter fines and penalties.
- Section 129 states that everyone over the age of 4 must wear a helmet when riding a bike in India. The rules under this section are: Section 129(a): Helmets must be made from strong materials that protect the head during an accident. Section 129(b) Both the rider and the passenger must wear helmets with straps to keep them in place during a crash.
- Section 194D of the Act says that if someone rides a bike without a helmet, they may be fined Rs. 1000 and could have their license suspended for 3 months.
- People who are Sikh and wear a turban do not have to wear a helmet when riding a bike in India.
- According to Section 138 (4) (f) of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, more rules have been introduced to help riders follow these safety laws.
- Helmets should be 22-25 mm thick, weigh 1.2 kg, and use good quality foam.
- All helmets must have an ISI mark, as required by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. It is illegal to sell helmets without an ISI mark, and sellers could face fines if they do.
- All two-wheeler sellers must provide two helmets—one for the rider and one for the passenger—when selling a bike. If the buyer does not show proof of buying helmets to the RTO during registration, the registration may not be approved.
- It is important to get a helmet that fits well and meets safety standards to reduce the risk of head injuries in an accident.
Which is the Right Type of Helmet?
Here are some important things to remember when choosing a helmet:
- Wearing a half-helmet is not allowed in India.
- The Motor Vehicle Act requires helmet makers in India to follow the rules set by the BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) when making helmets.
- Helmets sold in India must pass BIS tests to make sure they are strong enough for different weather conditions.
- All helmets must have an IS stamp on them, as required by the Ministry of Road Transport & Highway.
States Wise Helmet-Related Laws and Penalties for the Same?
| State | Provisions |
|---|---|
| Gujarat | The state government has lowered the fine for not wearing a helmet from Rs 1,000 to Rs 500. |
| Uttarakhand | The rules have been changed to reduce the fine for riding without a helmet. |
| Kerala | The state introduced new rules but had to take them back because of protests from residents and Trade Unions. |
| Odisha | The state has paused the new rules for three months due to disagreements between drivers and traffic officers. |
| Assam, Bihar, Haryana, and Tripura | Riders will be fined according to the new Motor Vehicle Act. |
| Uttar Pradesh | The fine for riding a bike or scooter without a helmet is Rs 600. |
| Karnataka | The state plans to follow Gujarat’s rules but will decide after talking with the Central Government. |
| West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Telangana, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh | State governments are not fully following the new laws, so most two-wheeler riders still follow the old rules and pay fines based on state laws. |
| Maharashtra | The fine for breaking the rule is Rs 1,000, and your driving license could be suspended for up to three months. |
Conclusion
So remember when you take your bike outside to ride it, wear your helmet. Besides wearing a helmet, it is required by law to have a bike insurance policy, at least a third-party one. So if you want, you can quickly get the best insurance plans for your bike with Square Insurance.
Can my bike insurance claim be denied if I’m not wearing a helmet?
Yes, if you don't wear a helmet (the law in India), then the bike's insurance company will not cover any damages or losses that occurred in a road accident.
What happens if I’m caught riding without a helmet?
The traffic police will stop you and ask to see your vehicle documents. If everything is in order, you’ll still need to pay a fine, which can be done either online or in person.
Is it mandatory for the pillion rider to wear a helmet?
Yes, it is mandatory for pillion riders to wear a helmet when on a two wheeler.
How much is the fine for not wearing a helmet in India?
The fine for riding without a helmet varies by state, but it can be up to Rs 1,000, and you may also face a suspension of your driving license.
Can I be fined if my helmet does not have an ISI mark?
Yes, if your helmet does not have an ISI mark, which shows it meets safety standards, you could be fined, as using non-standard helmets is against the law.
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