Mandatory helmet rule: Police begin fines & awareness drive to prevent road accidents in Karnataka's Ballari

BALLARI: As people continued to defy the helmet rule by riding their bikes without wearing helmets—leading to an increase in motorist deaths in road accidents—the police department strictly implemented the helmet rule in Ballari from Friday.Police have now enforced the rule strictly, making it compulsory for everyone to wear a helmet while riding two-wheelers. Previously, fines were imposed occasionally, but now wearing a helmet is mandatory for all.Ballari SP Dr Shobharani VJ told TOI that people in Ballari were under the impression that they were exempt from wearing helmets due to the district’s climatic conditions, where high temperatures are common during the summer.Taking advantage of the soaring temperatures, people had stopped wearing helmets in the district. Though the police fined people for not wearing helmets, many were not concerned.“Now, we have come out with a strict policy to make it mandatory for motorists to wear a helmet, like their counterparts in other districts and cities. We have started creating awareness alongside imposing fines for helmetless riding. Initially, our police officers will monitor people at major city junctions and circles,” she said.

“We have chosen junctions where motorists are likely to stop, to educate them on the importance of wearing a helmet and also issue fines. If we begin imposing fines everywhere, people might risk their lives trying to escape the fine. So, we have selected key areas to focus on education and enforcement,” she added.The SP pointed out that 226 people died in road accidents in 2022, 252 in 2023, 227 in 2024, and 103 in 2025 up to April.

Most of the victims were not wearing helmets.To encourage compliance, the police fined 13,196 people in 2022, 6,971 in 2023, 6,557 in 2024, and 395 until April 2025.“Despite imposing fines and making repeated efforts to encourage helmet use, people continued to ignore warnings, risking their lives. So, we have now decided to make the helmet rule mandatory in Ballari, just like in other districts.”The rule was enforced strictly from Friday.

As part of the drive, 100 helmets, sponsored by local organisations, were distributed to the public to encourage helmet use.“We also showed appreciation by giving roses to two-wheeler riders who wore helmets. A meeting will also be held with government officials, instructing them to wear helmets compulsorily. Even our own staff will be fined if they do not follow the rule,” she said.Awareness programmes will also be conducted in colleges. Notices have been issued to college principals, directing them to ensure that students wear helmets without fail.“We will continue this drive until people learn to wear helmets compulsorily,” the SP added.

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