New Telangana rules for helmets

Hyderabad: The Transport department is renewing a mandate for compulsory sale of helmets with two wheelers and the amount will be deducted at the time of sale itself. RTA authorities will not only renew the mandate to buy helmets but also conduct checks for enforcement.

From a large number of reactions from citizens on the Hyderabad Traffic Police’s suggestion on their Facebook page that people should wear helmets, the attitude of neglecting safety comes to the fore.

“In India, such rules exist jus so that the traffic police can make a few extra bucks... Not because the government is concerned about peoples safety,” wrote a citizen, S. Bandopadhyaya.

Another comment read, “If we wear helmets we can’t see side-view, that’s a problem.” Yet another comment read as, “We don’t need it at all. Plz don’t trouble motorists by implementing these unnecessary rules. In spite, try to solve the traffic problems in needy areas. However, those who think they need helmets while  driving are already using it and will use the same way in the future. And the ones who are more comfortable without it...let them be. Don’t make it mandatory and make it a blanket rule (sic).”

Road Transport Office  authorities will be revisiting circular 19, which was circulated more than five years ago and had made sale of helmets along with two wheelers compulsory, in a bid to enforcing the rule.

While some sellers and dealers follow the rule and deduct the amount of helmet in invoice, many are not following the rule that was notified by the RTO.