The Hindu

• Fine of Rs 100 for first time and Rs 300 for later violations Fine of Rs 100 for first time and Rs 300 for later violations
• Protective headgear must conform to BSI specifications
• Motorcyclists in Bellary City Corporation limits exempted

Mangalore, Nov 6: District police authorities here will enforce the helmet rule for motorcyclists within Mangalore City Corporation limits from Monday, Nov 6. Although the Government notification in this regard was applicable from Wednesday last, the district police authorities went slow with the enforcement in order to give time to motorcyclists to purchase helmets as per specifications laid down in the order.

B Dayananda, Superintendent of Police, told that following the latest Government order, all motorcyclists must wear helmets. Those who do not do so will have to pay a fine of Rs 100 for a first time offence and Rs. 300 for subsequent violations, he said. Besides, the protective headgear must conform to specifications laid down by Bureau of Indian Standards,  Dayananda added.

The order, however, would not be applicable to pillion riders. Motorcyclists in Bellary City Corporation limits have been exempted from wearing helmets in view of the high temperatures during the day.

Interestingly, most motorcyclists were seen busy purchasing helmets at roadside shops that mushroomed overnight. It was evident that most people wanted to follow the rule rather than ensure if the helmets were as per specifications and could offer protection in the eventuality of them meeting with an accident. They just went by the ISI mark that on the helmets and the overall feel of these headgears.

The move has evoked mixed response from motorcyclists as well as political parties. The local unit of BJP has opined that Government should exempt Mangalore similar to Bellary. The Government ought to have ensured that helmets meeting ISI specifications were made available at notified outlets so that the buyer too is assured of its quality, opined Ravi, a journalist.