Thiruvananthapuram: Helmet must for pillion rider

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a dramatic move, city police has warned that two-wheeler riders who hit the road with a helmetless pillion rider will be slapped a fine. While, actual fine collection has not yet begun, warnings are being issued and pamphlets distributed to sensitise riders.  “Soon, we will start slapping fines at selected locations,” said DCP Arul B Krishna. Though the Supreme Court ruling in this regard came in November 2014, the state was deferring implementation until now.

However, the neighbouring states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu have already begun fining helmetless pillion riders a year ago. Police will charge Rs 100 and the fine will have to be paid by the licensed vehicle rider. If they fail to pay up, the owner of the bike will be penalised. While earlier estimates by NATPAC showed lower helmet ownership among Trivandrumites compared to Kochites, now both cities are on par, say officials.

“Our random studies show that around 85 per cent riders (excluding pillion riders) wear helmets in both cities. The use of helmets reduces after morning and evening office hours and is lower among young riders while the elderly usually abide by law,” said DCP Krishna said. He specified that permits of two-wheelers would be cancelled and action taken against parents if under-aged riders get caught during checking for helmets.