Udupi: The district police have extended the grace period for Ten days after which the helmet wearing rule will be strictly enforced for pillion riders.
The police, have meanwhile, planned to create awareness among the public about the new rule till January 30.
Speaking to mangalorean.com Superintendent of Police K Annamalai IPS said that a two-wheeler rider should ensure that he/she does not violate the rule. It is ultimately for the pillion rider’s safety. The traffic police will hold campaigns through the road safety week, visit schools, colleges and other places.
Though the rule has come into force from January 20 in the district, it won’t be strictly enforced for now. The district police will take time to create awareness and also give some time for people to purchase helmets. The police have given a grace period till January 31 for people to purchase helmets. From February 1 Helmets will be compulsory for both riders and pillion riders. After the grace period, the police would be free to impose a fine of Rs. 100 on the rider/pillion rider if he she is found not wearing the helmet.
According to the notification, two-wheeler rider and pillion rider irrespective of brake horsepower of their vehicle will have to strictly wear helmets. Non-compliance would invite a penalty of Rs 100. Earlier, the government rule making helmet compulsory for riders was applicable only for motorists under major Municipal Corporations but now under the new rule it will become mandatory for both the rider and pillion across the state including highways to wear helmet.