Nationwide Crackdown on Substandard Helmets: Government Launches Campaign to Enhance Road Safety

New Delhi: To improve road safety and protect consumers from substandard helmets, the Department of Consumer Affairs has directed District Collectors (DCs) and District Magistrates (DMs) across India to initiate a nationwide campaign targeting manufacturers and retailers selling non-compliant helmets. This campaign addresses widespread concerns about helmet quality and their vital role in protecting two-wheeler riders.

Highlighting the critical importance of helmet quality, the Department notes that manufacturing substandard or non-ISI helmets endangers lives. To date, 162 licenses for helmet manufacturing have been revoked or expired, and 27 search and seizure operations have been conducted for violations related to the misuse of the BIS Standard Mark or non-compliance with Quality Control Orders (QCO) concerning the IS 4151:2015 certification. Several cases are now pending in court.

“Helmets save lives, but only if they are of good quality,” emphasized Nidhi Khare, Secretary of the Department of Consumer Affairs. “This initiative aims to eliminate unsafe helmets from the market and inform consumers about the importance of BIS-certified products. We call on all stakeholders to actively participate for the safety of our citizens.”

The rise in non-compliant helmets, often sold on roadsides without the mandatory BIS certification, poses severe risks. The government is intensifying efforts to enforce compliance, urging strict action against unlicensed manufacturers and retailers who sell these unsafe helmets. Consumers are encouraged to verify a helmet’s certification through the BIS Care App or by visiting the BIS website.

Wearing a helmet has been mandatory under the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988. However, the effectiveness of helmets depends on their quality; substandard helmets fail to meet the necessary standards, putting riders at increased risk. The Department of Consumer Affairs has called on district officials to prioritize this campaign and collaborate with District Superintendents of Police and BIS field officers to enforce the QCO and ensure compliance.

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) enforced the QCO on June 1, 2021, requiring that all helmets meet the BIS standard IS 4151:2015. Helmets lacking this certification violate the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016. Roadside sales of non-BIS helmets remain a critical concern, as these helmets do not provide the required protection, compromising the safety of two-wheeler riders.

With this new campaign, the government aims to protect consumers by removing substandard helmets from the market, significantly reducing fatalities from road accidents, and encouraging the use of certified safety gear for a safer riding experience across the country.