In a concerted effort to enhance road safety and reduce fatalities, Visakhapatnam's Road Transport Authority (RTA) and city police have intensified enforcement of helmet regulations for two-wheeler riders. Between September 2024 and February 2025, over 26,500 driving licenses were suspended for helmet rule violations, reflecting the authorities' commitment to strict compliance.

The enforcement drive gained momentum following a directive from the Andhra Pradesh High Court, which mandated the strict implementation of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, particularly concerning helmet usage. This initiative aims to address the alarming number of fatalities among two-wheeler riders due to non-compliance with helmet regulations.

Enforcement Statistics:

Data indicates a significant number of violations over the five-month period:

• September 2024: 11,388 licenses suspended
• October 2024: 3,700 licenses suspended
• November 2024: 1,600 licenses suspended
• December 2024: 2,900 licenses suspended
• January 2025: 2,900 licenses suspended
• February 2025: 4,200 licenses suspended

These figures underscore the persistent challenge of ensuring helmet compliance among riders.

Penalties and Compliance Measures:

Riding without a helmet incurs a fine of ₹1,000 and a three-month suspension of the driving license. Repeat offenders face the risk of permanent license cancellation. Despite awareness campaigns, a segment of riders continues to neglect safety norms, with non-compliance contributing to approximately 30-35% of road fatalities in the state.

Pillion Rider Regulations:

Effective from September 1, 2024, helmet usage became mandatory for pillion riders. Violations result in a fine of ₹1,035 or a three-month suspension of the driver's license. Both riders and pillion passengers are required to wear Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certified helmets to ensure safety.

Impact on Road Safety:

The intensified enforcement has led to increased helmet usage, with over 70% of two-wheeler riders now complying with the headgear mandate. However, some motorists opt for low-quality, non-ISI-mark helmets, compromising their safety. Authorities continue to emphasize the importance of using standard protective gear to mitigate fatalities in road accidents.

Community Response:

Discussions among residents reveal mixed reactions to helmet enforcement. While some express concerns over lax compliance, others highlight the need for consistent enforcement, even among law enforcers. This underscores the importance of community engagement in promoting road safety