Helmet Challan & Penalties in India

This article further explains the fine for not wearing a helmet, how helmet challans work across different states, and what steps to take if caught riding without a helmet. It also covers paying fines online and offline, tips to avoid challans, and why following helmet rules matters for your two wheeler insurance.

Laws and Penalties for Riding Helmetless in India

As per the Motor Vehicles Act, it is mandatory for both rider and pillion to wear helmets while driving a two-wheeler. Not abiding by this rule can lead to fines and penalties. Till 2019, the fine was a sum of Rs. 100, but this rule was amended by the Motor Vehicles Act in 2019. These amendments include:

• Fine increased to Rs. 1000, with the possibility of a 3-month suspension of the driving licence.


• The helmet should be ISI-certified and have a thickness of 20-25 mm with high-quality foam.

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Helmet Fines Across Indian States

It is vital to note that each state has the authority to set its own challan amounts, which is why this amount varies across different states in the country. As per the amendment in September 2019, the table below highlights the challan without a helmet across different states:

Note: Fines may change as per state transport authority updates. Always check local rules for the latest information.

Also Read - Two wheeler traffic rules in INDIA

Steps to Take After Receiving a Helmet Challan

Here is what happens once the traffic police catch you riding without a helmet:

• The police ask you to stop by the road and ask for documents such as a DL, RC, PUCC and a two-wheeler insurance policy.


• Accordingly, based on the Motor Vehicles Act and the presence of documents, a fine will be imposed.


• The challan will be sent to your mobile number. You can pay it either online or offline, based on whether they provide a hard copy or not.

Methods to Pay Your Helmet Challan Fine

There are two means to pay your fine for not wearing a helmet or even a pillion rider helmet fine, either online or offline:

Paying Helmet E-challan Online

• Visit the official website of your State Transport Department.


• Find the section for e-challan or fine payment.


• Click on the link to pay the e-challan.


• Enter your challan number or the captcha code shown on the screen.


• Choose a payment method like UPI, net banking, credit card, or debit card and pay successfully.


• You will receive a confirmation message once the payment is successful.

Paying Helmet Challan Offline

• Go to the nearest police station or traffic department office.


• Inform them that you want to pay the helmet challan fine.


• Confirm the amount you need to pay with the officials.


• Make the payment in cash or as directed.


• Make sure to get a receipt or proof of payment after clearing the fine.

Tips to Prevent Getting a Helmet Challan

To avoid receiving the fine for not wearing a helmet, keep the following points in mind:

• Both rider and pillion should wear a helmet while riding a two-wheeler.


• Ensure the helmet has an ISI-certified mark, is 20-25 mm thick and contains high-quality foam.


• Purchase a helmet that fits your head correctly; neither too big nor too small.


• Ensure the weight of the helmet does not exceed 1.2 kg.


• The visor needs to be clear in order not to obstruct vision.


• The helmet needs to have BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) before being sold.

Why It’s Important to Follow Helmet Rules for Insurance?

While a no-helmet challan won't cancel your two wheeler insurance, it could lead to issues when you file an accident claim. While third-party insurance does not cover personal injuries, a comprehensive insurance policy may also reject your claim if you were found not to be wearing a helmet during an accident.

Conclusion

In all, wearing a helmet in India is not just required for safety purposes but also for legal compliance. Each state has its own challan amounts, which is why it is necessary to know these rules in advance. Paying helmet challans is straightforward, as it can be done through either online or offline methods. Following helmet rules is also necessary to protect your two-wheeler insurance claims.

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Must Read:

• Mandatory Documents to Carry When Riding a Bike in India

• Helmet Rules and Regulations in India

• Best Helmet Brands Around the World

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