MV Act: Helmets Mandatory For Pillion Riders; DL Suspension For Violations, Warns Odisha Govt

Bhubaneswar: Odisha State Transport Department (STA) on Saturday warned motorists to strictly adhere to the new helmet rules under the amended Motor Vehicles Act 2019 which makes the protective gear mandatory for the pillion riders as well.

In a tweet, the STA today said that, “Driving licence will be suspended if both the driver and the pillion rider do not wear helmets while riding motorcycles.”

Diving licence will be suspended if both the ride and person sitting do not wear helmets. Please wear helmets for your safety. https://t.co/wxLcVVUAEr

— STA Odisha (@STAOdisha) December 5, 2020

It is pertinent to mention here that Odisha Transport Minister Padmanabha Behera had earlier announced that wearing helmets will be mandatory for pillion riders in the State from March 1.

The strict enforcement was supposed to be implemented after the completion of three-month relaxation period from March 2020. However, due to COVID-19 induced lockdown across the country, the enforcement activities under the MV Act took a back seat.

As per the provisions, helmets for pillion riders and seat belts for occupants in four-wheelers have been made mandatory in the State.

On November 28 last year, the State government had extended deadline for enforcement of new traffic rules under the amended Motor Vehicles Act by three months in view of huge rush at Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) across the State for driving licenses and other vehicle-related documents.

The Regional Transport Office (RTO), Cuttack penalised 92 motorists for not wearing helmets in a joint checking with Olatpur police on Friday. 42 Driving Licences were suspended and a fine of Rs1,34,000 was imposed on the violators, tweeted RTO Cuttack.

(Edited By Suryakant Jena)