Graphic: Karnataka Congress / X.
Bengaluru: Karnataka Congress has said the state government’s half-helmet ban extends beyond riders to the manufacture and sale of the headgear, with action ordered against companies and sellers dealing in substandard or half helmets.
In its October 9 post, the party said the measure was intended to protect vehicle riders. Its graphic urged riders to choose ISI-marked safety helmets and stated a ₹500 fine for riding without a helmet or using a half helmet.
Focus on manufacturers and sellers
The Karnataka half-helmet ban announcement places responsibility on the supply chain as well as road users. According to the party’s statement, companies manufacturing prohibited or substandard helmets and sellers violating the rules face strict action.
The announcement follows earlier discussion of unsafe helmets at a state road-safety review. The Bengaluru Live’s September 30 report recorded that officials were considering measures against the manufacture and sale of half helmets that did not meet safety standards, alongside changes to traffic enforcement and licence records.
The latest post presents the helmet measure as a government decision, moving the party’s account of the issue from that earlier discussion to a ban covering use, production and sales.
