New Rule: Centre makes helmet, safety harness a must for kids

Union Road Transport and Highways Ministry through February 16, 2022 statement has made mandatory the use of safety harnesses and crash helmets for children below the age of four years on two-wheelers.

The new rules also state that the speed of a motorcycle with a child up to the age of four years being carried on the pillion will not be more than 40 kmph.

In a statement issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways on Wednesday, it informed that Rule 138 of CMVR, 1989 has been amended and they have prescribed revised norms related to the safety of children travelling on two-wheelers.

"This has been notified under Section 129 of the Motor Vehicles Act, which mandates that the central government may, by rules, provide for measures for the safety of children below four years of age, riding or being carried on a motorcycle. Further, it specifies the use of a safety harness and crash helmet. It also restricts the speed of such motorcycles to 40 kmph," the ministry said.

MoRTH has made mandatory a safety harness and crash helmet for children below 4 years being carried on a two-wheeler with a restricted speed limit of 40 kmph.
These rules will come into force from 15 February 2023. pic.twitter.com/Nwmjz1wpgA

— MORTHINDIA (@MORTHIndia) February 16, 2022

These rules will come into force after one year from the date of publication of the Central Motor Vehicles (Second Amendment) Rules, 2022, the ministry said in a statement, which means February 15, 2023.

Vishnu Gupta, a parent from Gurgoan, says, “Even elders refuse to follow the safety rules. Most of us tend to turn a blind eye to safety procedures. Barring a few Indian States the death rate goes up every year. Despite a steeper hike in penalties for non-compliance, many States have rolled back the penalty which indirectly encourages blatant violation. Unless the rules are enforced strictly, there is no  point in introducing new/ tighter norms."

Ritu Mahajan, a mother of a 4-year kid, says, “The new rule from Ministry of Roads Transports and Highways is a very good step towards the safety of children of our country.”

Abhishek Bhargav, a resident from Dwarka says, “If it's for safety it should be implemented immediately. When Fines can be implemented immediately why not Safety.”