RTO cracks down on riders, pillions without helmets

NAVI MUMBAI: The Navi Mumbai traffic police department has begun with a special drive from Wednesday to check on motorists who do not wear helmets while driving.

The move comes f ollowing the notification from the Maharashtra state transport department on February 6 which makes the use of helmet mandatory for pillion riders as well.

Officials from the traffic department said the drive will continue for seven days in Zone 1 after which the drive will be continued in Zone 2 for a week.

“Use of helmet is crucial while driving for all two-wheeler riders. We are implementing the new rule to make helmet compulsory for pillion riders the drive,” said Arvind Salve, DCP traffic, Navi Mumbai.

Under section 129 and 177 of the Motor Vehicles Act, it is mandatory for a two-wheeler rider and the pillion rider to wear a helmet and those found violating the provisions can be slapped with a fine of minimum Rs100. According to records, a total of 3,870 cases of driving without helmet have been caught in the year 2016 till now.

The fine collected against is Rs4.11 lakhs. In the year 2015, from January to December, a total number of 55,729 cases were registered and a fine of Rs57.15 lakh was collected.

Besides, the new directives said that two- wheeler riders, found driving without a helmet, should be brought to the traffic department or the regional transport office (RTO) and counselled on using helmets.

“We emphasise on the use of helmets with an ISI mark,” said Salve.

The circular directed that those applying for a new license will have to give in writing that the two- wheeler rider and the pillion will use helmets.

RTOs have also been directed to ask dealers to produce the proof of supplying two helmets to the rider at the time of registration, besides other documents.

“We will also follow the rules for those who are taking new license,” said Sanjay Dhaygude, deputy RTO, Vashi.

We are implementing the new rule to make helmet compulsory for pillion riders the drive. ARVIND SALVE, DCP traffic, Navi Mumbai

BACHCHAN KUMAR Traffic officers during a drive against bikers riding without helmets at Sector 16, Vashi, on Wednesday.