Challan for Riding Without Helmet in India

The well-being of drivers and pedestrians depends on how well road safety rules and traffic regulations are followed. Among the various safety rules applicable in India, wearing a helmet is arguably the most significant for two-wheeler riders. ISI-marked helmets prevent severe head injuries in the event of an accident, safeguarding you from fatal blows. To this end, Indian traffic law mandates helmets for both the two-wheeler driver and the pillion.

While wearing a helmet is as mandatory as carrying your RC and active insurance papers, studies suggest that 57% of two-wheeler users neglect to don a helmet. The Motor Vehicles Act of 1988 imposes fines on offenders to curb this safety infringement. Keep reading to know more about the penalties and fines for not wearing a helmet.

Fine for riding a bike without a helmet

Section 129 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, makes riding a two-wheeler without a helmet a punishable offence. As per this section, earlier, offenders were subjected to pay a fine of Rs. 100 for not wearing a helmet. However, given this nominal fine amount, most riders continued to flout traffic rules.

With the revision of the Motor Vehicles Act in 2019, the Indian government imposed higher violation penalties to ensure better enforcement of road safety rules and greater compliance. As a result, the fine for riding a bike without a helmet was increased to Rs. 1,000 under section 194D of the Motor Vehicles Act, 2019. Additionally, the Act authorises licence suspension for three months. While these remain the general guidelines, the punishment for riding without a helmet can vary from state to state.

What happens if you are caught riding without a helmet?

The following things will happen if you are caught riding a two-wheeler, either as the driver or pillion, without a helmet.

• Traffic police will stop your bike and ask you to pull over on the side.
• They may take your bike keys away until the offence is registered.
• You will be asked to present your driving licence, the bike’s RC, and insurance papers for verification.
• Post verification, the police will issue a challan for riding without a helmet in your name. This challan will include details on the applicable fine for riding the bike without a helmet under the Motor Vehicles Act of 2019.
• The police may provide you with a hard copy of the challan or issue an e-challan and forward it to your mobile number.
• Once the challan is issued, you can pay the no bike helmet fine online or offline.

Fines for not wearing a helmet in different states

The fine for not wearing a helmet differs from state to state. Here is an overview of the different fines and penalties imposed by the Indian states.

Online and offline methods of no helmet fine payment

Thanks to digitisation, you can now pay the fine for riding without a helmet online, anytime, anywhere. Here is a step-by-step guide to explain this easy process.

1. Visit your state's Transport Department website
2. Click on the e-challan or traffic violation payment option
3. Enter your no helmet or half helmet challan number and the displayed captcha code
4. Review the challan details, including the fine amount
5. Complete the no-helmet fine payment via a preferred payment mode
6. Save the confirmation receipt

Alternatively, you can pay the fine for riding a bike without a helmet offline. Here is how to go about it.

1. Visit the nearest police station and head to the enquiry counter
2. Ask about the pending fine amount for the offence
3. Pay the fine and collect the payment receipt

How to choose a helmet

The easiest way to avoid a fine for riding without a helmet is to wear a helmet. However, it is also important to wear the right helmet that matches the prescribed standards under Indian traffic law.

Here are a few ways you can avoid a helmet challan.

1. Buy a helmet with an ISI mark and a 20-25 mm thickness
2. Ensure that your helmet is a full helmet weighing 1.2 kg
3. Shop for a helmet that has passed the required BIS and impact absorption tests
4. Carry a spare pillion helmet
5. Invest in a helmet lock so your helmet is always on your two-wheeler
6. Ensure that the helmet fits correctly
7. Replace your helmet if it starts cracking

Wrapping up

As a responsible citizen and two-wheeler rider, wearing a helmet is mandatory. Following this traffic rule does not just save you from a fine for not wearing a bike helmet but also ensures your safety on the road. The recent amendment to the Motor Vehicles Act and a consequent hike in the fine amount is expected to boost compliance. Moreover, it is also expected to create a safer riding environment, bringing down the number of fatal two-wheeler accidents in the country.