Mangaluru: Jan 22: Even though traffic police in Bengaluru and some other parts of Karnataka have already started enforcing new helmet rules from January 20, their counterparts in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts are still engaged in creating awareness.
“The police are creating awareness among the public about the need for pillion riders to wear helmets for safety. The rule applies to children too,” he said.
Superintendent of Police Dr Sharanappa S D had recently said that the police will enforce the rule in phases as two-wheeler riders are yet to get used to wearing helmets while riding in rural areas. The Transport Department has also distributed pamphlets among motorists highlighting the importance of wearing helmets while riding.
“Section 129 of the Motor Vehicle Act 1988 empowers the police to book two-wheeler riders for riding without helmets. The police will, therefore, impose a penalty of Rs 100 for the first offence, Rs 300 for the second and will recommend suspension of the driving licence for the third offence. If a pillion rider fails to wear a helmet, the two-wheeler rider will be penalised for violating the rules,” explained the superintendent.
The Udupi district police also have extended the grace period for riders and pillion riders of two-wheelers to compulsorily wear helmets by 10 days to February 1.
In a press release issued here, the district police said that though the rule of compulsorily wearing helmets by riders and pillion riders was to have come into force on January 20, the police had received several requests from the people seeking time.
Considering these requests, the final grace period had been extended by 10 days.
The State government introduced the rule after the Supreme Court Committee on Road Safety directed the states to make wearing helmets mandatory for pillion riders. Following the order, pillion riders were seen on Wednesday wearing helmets in the City.
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