Helmets play a vital role in ensuring road safety in India. In a nation where two-wheelers account for a significant portion of the total road traffic, it is essential to recognize the importance of wearing helmets. The requirement to use helmets while riding two-wheelers extends beyond merely adhering to rules and regulations – it directly impacts the safety of the individual.

At present, Indian traffic laws require individuals riding two-wheelers to wear helmets. In addition, existing laws also stipulate that all two-wheeler owners must maintain a minimum level of third-party two-wheeler insurance coverage.

Therefore, it is essential to have the appropriate insurance policy and to be informed about helmet regulations and rules. Let’s explore this further.

• What are the Helmet Laws in India?

According to the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988, it is compulsory for individuals riding two-wheelers to wear helmets. Throughout the years, multiple amendments have been introduced to the Act. The most recent amendment occurred in 2019, which outlined the following regarding helmet safety regulations:

In accordance with Section 129, all individuals older than 4 years are obligated to wear protective headgear when operating a motorcycle. Both the rider and their passenger must wear helmets that have straps securely fastened to the wearer.The helmet must be constructed from designated materials and in a specific shape that provides the maximum protection to the wearers in the event of an accident.

If an individual is stopped while riding a two-wheeler without a helmet, Section 194D imposes a penalty of ₹1000 on the offender. Furthermore, their driver’s license may be suspended for a period of three months.For individuals from Sikh families who wear turbans, there is an exemption from helmet usage while riding a two-wheeler in India, provided that they are wearing a turban while riding.

Section 138 (4) (f) of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules (CMVR) has established additional RTO regulations to assist individuals in adhering to these helmet laws. According to this Section, manufacturers of two-wheelers must supply two BIS-compliant helmets – one for the rider and another for the passenger.

In addition to wearing helmets correctly, it is equally important to consistently follow other motor vehicle regulations and rules. This includes obeying traffic signals, driving in the appropriate lane, refraining from using a cell phone while driving, maintaining a valid vehicle insurance policy, and so forth.

• What is the Right Type of Helmet to Wear?

According to current laws, simply wearing any type of helmet is insufficient. Individuals must wear the appropriate type of helmet.Many two-wheeler riders tend to wear a half-helmet, which only covers part of their head. This is not permissible under the law.

The Motor Vehicles Act mandates that helmet manufacturers adhere to the guidelines established by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) regarding helmet design.All helmets that are sold in the market must pass BIS inspections. These evaluations are intended to assess how effectively the helmet absorbs shocks under various weather conditions.According to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, every helmet must display a relevant IS stamp.Wearing a helmet is vital for several reasons, including increasing the likelihood of insurance claim approval compared to riding without one.

• Which Types of Helmets Are Not Acceptable?

Regarding road safety, using a helmet is essential, but not every helmet provides the necessary protection. Specific types of helmets are deemed unacceptable due to their failure to meet safety standards. Half-face helmets or novelty helmets, which do not offer complete head coverage, are typically unsafe since they lack adequate padding and structural durability. Helmets that are not ISI (Indian Standards Institute) or non-DOT (Department of Transportation) certified are also unacceptable, as they do not fulfill the minimum safety criteria needed to endure impacts. Helmets made of plastic shells or those with minimal padding do not deliver sufficient protection and may break upon impact, elevating the risk of serious head injuries. Furthermore, damaged or expired helmets should not be utilized, as their weakened structures can undermine their effectiveness. To guarantee safety, always choose a certified, full-face or modular helmet that complies with national and international safety regulations.

• Can Not Wearing a Helmet Result in the Denial of an Insurance Claim?

The acceptance or denial of your bike insurance claim hinges on various factors. Insurance policies include specific conditions and exclusions, which detail the circumstances or events that the policy does not cover. For instance, adhering to traffic regulations is crucial. If an accident happens while the claimant is disregarding traffic laws, the claim may be denied. Since wearing a helmet is a legal requirement, the possibility of claim denial may arise if the injured party was not wearing a helmet during the accident.

Prevent fines and promote safe riding by adhering to these critical guidelines:

Wear a Helmet: Always wear a helmet that conforms to the specifications stated in the Motor Vehicles Act. Pillion Rider Helmet: Ensure that your pillion rider is also wearing a helmet, as mandated under Helmet Laws in India.Secure Your Helmet: Keep your helmet locked or stored in your two-wheeler’s built-in storage to prevent losing it and incurring fines.Check Helmet Fasteners: Frequently check the fasteners to verify that they are securely fastened before riding.