HYDERABAD: Helmets have been made compulsory from January 15 for registration of two-wheelers, new or old, anywhere in the State.

Also, the Government has asked the manufacturers/ dealers of the two-wheelers to tag on compulsory supply/sale of helmets along with the vehicle sold. They have been warned that the helmets must be ISI-certified.

Announcing this at a press conference here on Tuesday, Transport Minister K. Lakshminarayana and Transport Commissioner Rajeshwar Tiwari said that the decision to get tough with the vehicle-owners on road-safety had been taken in line with the recent High Court order on wearing helmets, banning use of cell phones while driving and fastening seat-belts. "Only Sikhs wearing turbans are exempt from the helmets. The pillion-rider need not wear it for the time being," the Minister said.

The Minister said the rule relating to wearing seat belts by the driver and occupant of the front seat in four-wheelers would be implemented with immediate effect. Vehicles lacking the provision would be given time to make arrangements.

Mr Lakshminarayana said anyone using mobiles while driving would be punished with a fine of Rs 50. The department had drawn up a plan to introduce chip-embedded smart card which could record the number of illegal use while driving. Once this was done, a higher fine will be imposed for second offence.

Shortage of helmets

Helmet-wearing has been made compulsory now only in the Hyderabad and Secunderabad and other municipal corporations in view of the shortage of helmets in the market. It will be implemented state-wide in a phased manner once proper supply of helmets is ensured in a few days, Mr Tiwari said.

The Minister earlier released a CD on road safety brought out by the department. As part of road safety campaign, 1,75,000 drivers had been given a refresher course so far in the State. The CD will be played at railway/bus stations and cinema houses.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail