Alert For Motorists! BIS Certification Now Compulsory For 2-Wheeler Helmets, Govt Issues Order

According to reports, in 2018 about 43,600 two-wheeler riders without helmets died in road accidents.

(Representative Image/ Getty)

New Delhi: The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways made it mandatory for the two-wheeler helmets that are being manufactured and sold in India to be certified by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). The Union Ministry on Friday issued “Helmet for riders of two-wheelers Motor Vehicles (Quality Control) Order, 2020”, which will in turn help in avoiding the sale of low-quality two-wheeler helmets in the country, which would help in protecting persons involved in accidents from fatal injuries. “Protective helmets for two-wheeler riders have been included under compulsory BIS certification and the publication of the Quality Control Order,” it said. The move comes after the directions of the Supreme Court Committee on Road Safety, a committee was constituted to consider lighter helmets in India suiting the country’s climatic conditions and that for ensuring compliance among citizens to wear the helmets. Constituted in 2018, the committee consisted of expert doctors from All India Institute of Medical Sciences, BIS, and from different fields. After a detailed analysis, the final report of the committee was accepted by the ministry which recommended lighter helmets in the country. After the recommendations of the committee, which expected lighter helmets, BIS revised its specifications. Around 1.7 crore two-wheelers are manufactured in the country every year. Geneva-based global road safety body, the International Road Federation which works for safer and better roads worldwide, welcomed the road transport ministry”s move to bring helmets for two-wheeler riders under the mandatory BIS regime. “This much-awaited move means the sale of non-BIS certified helmets will be an offense once the notification comes to effect,” K K Kapila, president emeritus of the International Road Federation, said. Concerned with road safety, the Union Government introduced the Motor Vehicle Act in 2019, under which the fine for not wearing a helmet was hiked from Rs 100 to Rs 1000. According to reports, in 2018 about 43,600 two-wheeler riders without helmets died in road accidents.