Maharashtra Police to Intensify Helmet Regulation Enforcement to Boost Road Safety

Mumbai: In an effort to enhance road safety and curb the rising number of accidents, injuries, and fatalities involving two-wheeler riders, the Maharashtra Police will intensify the enforcement of helmet regulations for both riders and pillion passengers. The decision follows a significant rise in incidents over the past five years where helmetless riders have been involved in serious accidents, prompting the authorities to take more stringent action.

Under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 (Sections 128 and 129), it is mandatory for both riders and pillion passengers to wear helmets. However, enforcement has been lax in recent years, raising concerns from the Supreme Court's Road Safety Committee, which has called for stronger compliance measures to safeguard road users.

Revamped E-Challan System to Ensure Stricter Enforcement

To ensure more effective enforcement, the police will revamp the e-challan system used for issuing fines. In the past, violations by riders and pillion passengers without helmets were categorized under a single section—Section 129/194(D) of the Motor Vehicles Act—making it difficult to track specific offenses. Under the new system, violations will be recorded separately for:

1. Riding without a helmet
2. Pillion riding without a helmet

This change will allow for more precise tracking of violations and enable stricter enforcement of helmet laws. Police officials across the state have been instructed to take prompt and decisive action under the revised system.

Focus on Safety and Compliance

Officials believe that the new measures will not only improve compliance with helmet laws but also contribute to reducing road accidents and saving lives. Maharashtra Police has urged all two-wheeler riders and pillion passengers to prioritize safety by wearing helmets and adhering to traffic regulations.​