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Time of India

Helmet violations in Vizag cost 52,000 riders their licences in 2025

1 2 Visakhapatnam: Vizag city, despite leading Andhra Pradesh in helmet usage among two-wheeler riders, witnessed over 52,000 motorists having their driving licences suspended for riding without helmets between Jan and June 2025. Data indicates that non-compliance with helmet regulations contributes to approximately 30 to 35 per cent of all road crash fatalities across the state annually. Vizag city police and Road Transport Authority (RTA) personnel have intensified actions against traffic violators, specifically targeting two-wheeler riders without headgear. Officials have issued a stern warning that driving licences of motorists caught riding without helmets will be suspended for three months, with violators facing strict penalties. These enforcement measures and awareness campaigns have led to a decline in helmet non-compliance among primary riders in Vizag city. However, pillion riders continue to neglect helmet use, which could prove fatal in road crashes. Deputy transport commissioner (in-charge), Visakhapatnam, V Jayaprakash, stated that the RTA suspended the licences of 52,000 individuals in Vizag city for three months between January and June 2025 due to helmet violations. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Global Indices Are on the Move — Time to Trade! IC Markets Learn More Undo Compared to other cities and districts in the state, Vizag recorded the highest number of licence suspensions for helmet non-compliance, reflecting strict enforcement. According to regulations, every person riding or pillion on a two-wheeler must wear protective gear. Those found riding without helmets are fined Rs 1,035. The police collect violators' driving licence details and forward them to the RTA, which suspends the licences. Repeat offenders may face permanent cancellation of their licences, a senior traffic police inspector in Vizag said. Observations indicate that around 70 to 80 per cent of motorists in Vizag wear helmets during morning hours, but violations increase at night. The Road Safety Committee and government mandate helmets for both riders and pillion passengers. However, over 98 percent of pillion riders across urban and rural areas in the state violate this rule. -- Strict Enforcement For Safer Roads In 2022, Vizag city police issued 4.11 lakh challans for helmet violations In 2023, 3.71 lakh challans were issued for not wearing helmets In 2024, fines of Rs 25.67 crore were imposed on motorists for various traffic violations in Vizag Enforcement officials book over 12 lakh cases annually in the state for helmet violations BIS-certified helmets cost between Rs 1,500 and Rs 5,000 The Union government mandates that all helmets bear the ISI mark issued by BIS Nearly 900 to 1,000 pillion riders die annually in AP road crashes due to not wearing helmets Police and RTA personnel plan to impose fines on pillion riders not wearing helmets