Karnataka: Helmets compulsory for pillion riders from January 12

Karnataka's transport minister Ramalinga Reddy declared on Friday that helmets will be compulsory for pillion riders as well in the state from January 12. According to him, people of all age groups fall under this new rule.

A report in Deccan Herald states that in the initial days, the police will have to enforce the rule strictly so that people buy helmets. After the grace period, anyone who violates this new rule will have to pay Rs 100 as fine the first time. The second time they flout the rule, the fine will be Rs 200 and the third timed Rs 300. If the person breaks the rule more than three times, the driving license of the person could be suspended.

The minister told the media that the government had decided to bring in this rule after the Supreme Court committee on road safety stated that they would initiate contempt proceedings if the rule was not enforced across the state. They had received this notification on December 31, 2015. 

Reddy also told the media that they will introduce a 'punching system'. Every time a person commits a traffic violation, his or her licence will be punched.