Helmet Rules in India: Everything You Need to Know

Rules for Wearing Helmets in India

Section 129 of the Motor Vehicles Act states that individuals who ride a bike (even a pillion rider) older than four year must wear "protective headgear". However, the Act has undergone various amendments to ensure it covers all the aspects related to bike riding on highways or other public roads in India.

Remember, this rule applies to both the rider and the pillion riders. Here is a list of rules for wearing helmets in India:

• Helmets must meet material standards and design outlined in Section 129(a) to provide the highest level of protection to the rider & its co-passenger.
• As per the Section 129(b), both the driver and the pillion rider must tie the helmet securely using straps. This rule promises to give a sense of safety in a road incident, as the helmet will stay on the head.
• A fine of ₹1000 for non-compliance with this rule and a three-month suspension of the driver's license.
• Helmets must be 22-25 mm thick, weigh 1.2 kg, and use high-quality foam.
• Additionally, all helmets should have ISI marks mandated by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. Selling helmets without an ISI mark is illegal & may attract penalties from the authorities.
• Individuals who wear turbans are exempted from wearing compulsory helmets while riding their two-wheelers in India.
• As per Section 138 (4) (f) of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules (CMVR), all two-wheeler manufacturers must offer two BIS-compliant helmets to their customers. One is for the rider and one for the passenger.

Along with wearing helmets, you must be adhering to other Motor Vehicle rules & regulations all the time. These rules include following the traffic signals, not using mobile phones, driving in the dedicated lane, maintaining the speed limit, having a valid bike insurance online, etc.

Note: Helmet laws & provisions might differ from state to state. Kindly refer to your state's RTO or road & transport authority's website to be updated with the latest provision.

Which is the Right Type of Helmet?

Here are a few pointers that you should keep in mind while choosing a helmet for you:

• As per the law, wearing a half-helmet is prohibited in India.
• The Motor Vehicle Act has given the guidelines for the helmet manufacturers in India. According to this, they must follow the policies of the BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) while designing their helmets.
• Additionally, the helmets to be sold in the Indian market must pass BIS tests. These tests are conducted to check its toughness so that it goes well in different winter conditions.
• Other than this, all the helmets must have a relevant IS stamp, according to the Ministry of Road Transport & Highway.

You may also read Top 10 Helmet Brands in India & Need for a Good Helmet

Not Wearing a Helmet Can Reject Bike Insurance Claims?

A bike insurance claim rejection depends upon multiple factors. Specific exclusions or terms & conditions are mentioned in the policy documents, which should be read carefully before purchasing the policy.

Since wearing a helmet is mandatory as per the law for bike riders and pillion in India, the bike insurance company will reject the claim request if it causes damage or loss during a road accident.

Hence, you should always wear a helmet while operating your two-wheeler. Moreover, it is recommended to buy comprehensive bike policy as it provides financial coverage during a collision or road accident.

You may also read Why Your Two-wheeler Insurance Claims Get Rejected?

Final Words!

Make sure you wear a helmet whenever you take your bike outside for a ride. Alongside helmet compliance, having a bike insurance policy, particularly a third-party bike insurance policy, is mandatory by law. You can quickly obtain a suitable bike insurance policy from Policybazaar Insurance Brokers Private Limited.