GUWAHATI: The central government is considering a new regulation that would require buyers of new two-wheelers to purchase two ISI-certified helmets at the time of vehicle delivery. Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Nitin Gadkari, recently proposed this initiative during the Auto Summit which took place in New Delhi.
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At present, there is no law mandating the purchase of two helmets with a new scooter or motorcycle. The existing regulation only requires dealerships to provide one ISI-approved helmet, though many dealerships circumvent this by having customers sign declarations stating they already own a helmet. If the new rule becomes law, all two-wheeler dealerships nationwide would be required to sell two helmets alongside every new vehicle purchase.
The move has been suggested to addressing the low adoption of helmets, particularly in rural areas, where compliance is significantly lower than in metropolitan and Tier-1 cities. According to road safety data, a large percentage of two-wheeler fatalities involve riders or pillion passengers not wearing helmets. This rule has been proposed to create a culture of safer riding for both drivers and passengers.
If it is implemented, the cost of two-wheeler ownership will slightly increase, with an estimated additional expense of ₹1,000 to ₹2,000 for the helmets. However, road safety advocates believe this cost is minimal compared to the potential lives that could be saved.
The Two-Wheeler Helmet Manufacturers Association (THMA), which represents certified helmet manufacturers in India, has also welcomed the proposal. THMA President Rajeev Kapur expressed strong support, stating that the move would significantly reduce road fatalities and prevent future tragedies. He emphasised that the regulation was long overdue and could help ensure better protection for riders and pillion passengers.
