Two-wheeler riding is both a necessity and a delight for thousands of people in India; some people simply enjoy the pleasant ride on an empty road, while others consider it the most convenient way to travel from one place to another.
However, in any case, one driver safety rule always stays intact: the use of a helmet. In a country as densely populated and traffic-heavy as India, helmets are not just accessories; they are lifesaving essentials. You may be confident in your riding skills, but you cannot predict or control the actions of others on the road.
Recognising this, the government strengthened the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988 through its 2019 amendment, imposing stricter penalties to curb helmetless riding and other violations. However, the fine for riding without a helmet varies from state to state.
In this guide, we’ll break down the state-wise challans for riding without a helmet and explain their implications for you as a responsible rider.
Table of Contents
What are Helmet Laws in India?
The Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, stipulates that every two-wheeler rider must wear a helmet. Over time, the Act has seen several amendments, with the latest update in 2019 outlining helmet safety regulations as follows:
- According to Section 129, all riders above the age of 4 years are required to wear headgear during two-wheeler riding. Both the rider and the passenger must wear helmets with secure straps for safety.
- If the rider is caught without a helmet, Section 194D of the Act mandates a fine of ₹1,000, and in some instances, the offender’s driving licence is suspended for three months.
- There is an exemption for Sikh riders who wear turbans.
- Moreover, part 138 (4) (f) of the Central Motor Vehicle Rules (CMVR) states that the producer of two-wheelers must supply two BIS-certified helmets—one for the rider and another for the passenger.
Apart from the helmets, one must also comply with other traffic laws at all times. This primarily includes obeying traffic signals, driving in the correct lane, refraining from using a phone while driving, and having a valid insurance policy.
Keep in mind that helmet laws differ from one state to another. Therefore, it is always best to check the website of your State Transport Authority for the most recent updates.
What are the Consequences of Riding Without a Helmet?
The penalties of riding helmet-less are the following:
- Fines: The central government has prescribed an average fine of ₹ 1,000 under Section 194D of the Motor Vehicles Act, 2019. The penalties vary from state to state, ranging from ₹100 to ₹1,500, and differ between first-time and repeat offenders.
- Suspension of Licence: In certain states, repeated offences can lead to suspension of your driving licence for three months.
- Safety Hazards: The most significant penalty is death. More than 75,000 two-wheeler drivers lost their lives on Indian roads in 2022, and they represented 44% of all road accident deaths. Helmets can cut the risk of head injury by 74% and the risk of fatal injury by 42%, as reported by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
- Financial Implications: Riding without a helmet can complicate insurance claims, and the cost of medical treatment for head injuries can be substantial.
What are the Riding Without Helmet Fines for Different States in India?
Ever since the amendment to the Motor Vehicles Act in 2019, several states have implemented their own respective penalty rates for driving without a helmet. Challan rates vary from state to state and Union Territories.
The following is a comprehensive list of helmet challans that are effective after the amendment from September 1, 2019:
| State & Union Territories | Fine or Challan for Not Wearing a Helmet |
| Andhra Pradesh (AP) | ₹200 |
| Arunachal Pradesh (AR) | ₹1,000 |
| Assam (AS) | ₹1,000 |
| Bihar (BR) | ₹1,000 |
| Chhattisgarh (CG) | ₹1,000 |
| Delhi (DL) | ₹1,000 |
| Goa (GA) | 1st offence: ₹500, subsequent offences: ₹1,500 |
| Gujarat (GJ) | 1st offence: ₹500, subsequent offences: 3 months DL suspension |
| Haryana (HR) | 1st offence: ₹1,000, subsequent offences: ₹300 |
| Himachal Pradesh (HP) | ₹1,500 |
| Jammu & Kashmir (JK) | ₹1,000 |
| Jharkhand (JH) | ₹1,000 |
| Karnataka (KA) | ₹500 |
| Kerala (KL) | ₹1,000 |
| Madhya Pradesh (MP) | 1st offence: ₹100, 2nd or subsequent offences: ₹300 |
| Maharashtra (MH) | ₹1,000 |
| Manipur (MN) | ₹1,000 |
| Meghalaya (ML) | ₹1,000 |
| Mizoram (MZ) | ₹1,000 |
| Nagaland (NL) | ₹1,000 |
| Odisha (OR) | ₹1,000 |
| Punjab (PB) | Riding without a helmet/turban/helmet not fastened/helmet without BIS Standards: ₹1,000 |
| Rajasthan (RJ) | ₹1,000 |
| Sikkim (SK) | ₹1,000 |
| Tamil Nadu (TN) | ₹1,000 |
| Telangana (TS) | ₹200 |
| Tripura (TR) | ₹100 |
| Uttarakhand (UK) | 1st offence: ₹1,000, subsequent offences: ₹2,000 |
| Uttar Pradesh (UP) | ₹1,000 |
| West Bengal (WB) | ₹1,000 |
Note: Helmet fines are subject to change if state transport departments revise their guidelines. Always visit your local RTO or traffic department’s website for the most up-to-date information.
What Happens When You are Caught Riding Without a Helmet?
When traffic police catch you riding without a helmet, the process is usually the following:
- You are safely pulled over on the side of the road.
- Your vehicle keys may be temporarily held until the verification process is completed.
- The officer will inspect your vehicle documents and ensure that no other offences are being committed other than riding without a helmet.
- After confirmation, you will be issued a challan in your name, which will mention the amount of the fine under the Motor Vehicles Act, 2019. E-challans can now also be issued by traffic police personnel, who process them online.
You can pay the fine offline or online after receiving the challan.
Offline Process for Paying the Fine
In case you want to pay your helmet fine offline, this is what you need to do:
- Step 1: Go to the nearest traffic police station and go to the enquiry counter.
- Step 2: Inquire about the fine amount you need to pay and ensure that all details are thoroughly verified.
- Step 3: Please pay the amount, collect your receipt, and you can leave.
Online Process for Paying the Fine
Payment of helmet fines online is more convenient and easier. This is how you can do it:
- Step 1: Visit your State’s Transport Department website. On the home page, scroll down to find the e-challan or traffic violation payment.
- Step 2: Click on the appropriate link, enter your vehicle number or challan number, and captcha code.
- Step 3: The screen will display information about your fine, including the amount. Pay through a credit or debit card.
- Step 4: After payment has been processed, you’ll see a confirmation message. Be sure to note it down or save it for future reference.
Once the payment is completed, you are legally cleared. Remember to follow the rules in the future to avoid fines and, more importantly, ensure your safety on the road.
How to Choose the Right Helmet?
Not only is having the right helmet important for your safety, but it is also essential for comfort while riding. Choosing a proper helmet can make a significant difference in preventing head injuries in the event of an accident.
These are the key points to consider when choosing a helmet:
- ISI Certification: Always verify that the helmet bears a valid ISI mark (Indian Standards Institution). The certification assures the helmet has met India’s safety criteria and has withstood tough impact and quality tests.
- Proper Fit: The helmet must be fitted tightly to your head, but not so tightly that it restricts blood flow. It must be firmly in place and not move when you turn your head. A poorly fitting helmet not only detracts from safety but also increases the chances of injury in the event of a crash.
- Quality: Don’t purchase the lowest-priced helmet available. A quality helmet from a reputable company not only lasts longer but also provides better protection and a more comfortable feel.
- Ventilation: Since India is hot and humid, a well-ventilated helmet is essential to stay cool-headed and reduce sweating when covering a long distance.
- Visor: If your helmet comes with a visor, ensure it is transparent, scratch-resistant, and offers wide visibility. A good visor protects your eyes from dust, rain, and sun.
- Replacement: Never risk safety by wearing a cracked helmet. If the helmet is cracked, involved in an accident, or is old, replace it immediately. A cracked helmet cannot save you.
Here are the types of helmets:
- Full-face: Provides full head and face protection, making it the safest helmet type. Best suited for lengthy rides or speedy travel.
- Open-face: Protects the top and sides of the head but not the face. It offers average protection with improved ventilation.
- Half-helmet: Protects only the top of the head. Although it is light and easy to carry, it offers the lowest protection of all kinds.
How to Avoid Getting a Fine for Not Wearing a Helmet?
It is not legal to ride a two-wheeler without a helmet in India, and traffic laws are enacted so that the riders don’t end up with life-threatening injuries. It’s not just about avoiding paying a penalty; it’s about saving your life.
The following are some basic tips to avoid a helmet challan:
- Always wear a helmet while riding, and make sure that your co-rider wears one as well.
- Ensure that the helmet you wear meets the ISI standard and has the proper thickness (20-25mm) to ensure safety.
- Get a helmet that is the right size for your head. A helmet that is either too big or too small can fall off during a collision or may not provide safety to your head.
- Frequently check your helmet for cracks and other types of damage, and replace it if it is worn out or damaged.
By following these precautions, you are not just legally safe, but also safe while taking frequent rides.
Summary
The helmet is an indispensable aspect of riding a motorcycle, and its significance cannot be disregarded. The 2019 amendment to the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988, along with the increased fines for riding without a helmet, is a positive step toward enhancing road safety across India.
A well-fitted, certified helmet can be the difference between life and death in critical situations. Encouragingly, with the support of many globally recognised helmet manufacturers, millions of riders in India can now access top-class safety gear at their fingertips.
By opting for the proper helmet and wearing it regularly, riders not only abide by the law but also consciously make the road a safer place for themselves and the people they love.
FAQs about Riding Without a Helmet Fine
Q. What if I ride without a helmet?
Helmet-less riding in India is a crime under the Motor Vehicles Act and can lead to a fine and suspension of your driving license in certain situations. Hence, helmets are vital for safeguarding your head in the case of an accident.
Q. Is it compulsory for both the rider and passenger to wear helmets?
Yes, in every state it is compulsory for both the driver and the passenger to wear helmets.
Q. Which helmets are legal in India?
Only helmets with a valid ISI mark are considered legal in India. Using a helmet without ISI certification is illegal and carries the same penalties as riding without a helmet.
Q. Is a half helmet acceptable in India?
Half helmets will not comply with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) safety standards. Full-face ISI-marked helmets are best for adequate safety and legal protection.
Q. How can I prevent a helmet challan?
To prevent a helmet challan, wear a properly fitting ISI-marked helmet at all times while driving. This applies to all trips, whether short or long, and ensures both safety and legal compliance.
