Daijiworld Media Network-Bengaluru (RJP)

Bengaluru, Feb 1: Compulsory wearing of helmet also for pillion riders will be strictly observed from Monday, February 1. There is no relaxation from now, say sources in the police department.

The rule came into effect from January 12 as per the Supreme Court order after it was published in the government gazette. Though the police could impose fine for not wearing helmet from January 12 itself, they concentrated on educating the bike travellers instead of fining them. Hence it was tolerated in the beginning if the pillion rider did not wear the helmet. But some districts like Bengaluru city, Bengaluru rural, Uttara Kannada, Yadagiri, Bidar, Ramanagara and Chikkamagaluru started collecting fine from January 21. Shivamogga and Raichur started collecting fine from January 25.

Tumakuru, Dakshina Kannada, Bagalkote, Udupi, Coorg, Mysuru, Hubballi-Dharwad, Davanagere, Chitradurga, Belagavi, Kalburgi, Koppala, Ballari, Haveri and Gadag did not impose any fine on the offenders, but continued educating them. But now the toleration ended on January 31.

Udupi and Dakshina districts police will also enforce the law from Monday though they have shortage of personnel to do it. Dakshina Kannada has a shortage of 627 personnel in the approved workforce of 1,791 personnel. Udupi has a shortage of 36 personnel against the approved number of personnel.

First time offenders will have to pay a fine of Rs 100. Second time offenders will have to pay Rs 300 as fine. One can pay the fine to the police on duty or pay it later at the police station within fifteen days. If it is not paid by then, the police department will file a charge sheet in the court.