The Central Government has asked all states and local authorities to take strict action against the makers and sellers of poor-quality helmets. This step aims to protect the 21 crore two-wheeler riders in India and improve road safety.
The Department of Consumer Affairs and the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) have told people to use only BIS-certified helmets. Helmets that do not have the ISI mark are not safe and violate a rule passed in 2021, which makes BIS certification mandatory for all helmets.
“Rider safety is extremely important, and using low-quality helmets puts lives at risk,” the department said.
Officials have found that many roadside vendors and small manufacturers are not following the rules. Last year, BIS carried out over 30 raids and tested more than 500 helmet samples. In Delhi, more than 2,500 unsafe helmets were seized from nine manufacturers whose BIS licenses had expired or been cancelled. Another 500 helmets were taken from roadside shops and retail stores.
Right now, 176 helmet manufacturers in India have valid BIS licenses.
Earlier, the department had written to district collectors and magistrates, asking them to launch a nationwide campaign against shops selling non-certified helmets. BIS offices are also working with police and district officials to help with enforcement.
The Road Transport Ministry has also suggested a new rule: every new two-wheeler sold in India should come with two BIS-certified helmets. This rule is expected to be implemented within three months of final approval.
In another big move, from January 1, 2026, all new two-wheelers with engine power over 50cc or top speed above 50 km/h (called L2-category vehicles) must come with Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS), following Indian safety standards.
These actions are part of the government’s larger plan to reduce road accidents and deaths involving two-wheelers.
