‘No Helmet, No Fuel’ Rule for Two-Wheeler Riders in Bhopal, Indore from August 1
From August 1 onwards, two-wheeler riders without helmets will be refused fuel at petrol pumps in Bhopal and Indore, as the district collectors have issued prohibitory directives aimed at curbing traffic rule violations.
The prohibitory directives were issued on Wednesday by Bhopal Collector Kaushalendra Vikram Singh and Indore Collector Ashish Singh, citing the increasing number of road mishaps, according to NDTV.
All petrol pump operators in the two cities have been instructed not to supply fuel to any rider not wearing an ISI-certified helmet. The rule will be in force from August 1 to September 29, 2025.
Violation of the order, issued under Section 163 of the Indian Civil Security Code 2023, will invite legal action against the petrol station concerned, including imprisonment of up to one year, a fine of up to ₹5,000, or both.
The directive referenced repeated reports and disturbing statistics related to two-wheeler fatalities over the past few years. It also cited Section 129 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, which mandates ISI-certified helmets for both riders and pillion passengers.
These directives follow instructions from Justice Abhay Manohar Sapre, the chairman of the Supreme Court’s Road Safety Committee and a former judge, during a meeting held on Tuesday, as reported by PTI.
Justice Sapre (retired) directed that a public awareness drive should be launched in Indore to ensure that two-wheeler riders wear helmets and car occupants use seat belts.
The Madhya Pradesh High Court had recently expressed concern over widespread violations of traffic norms in Indore and called for stringent enforcement measures.
Regional Transport Officer (RTO) Pradeep Sharma stated that since 1950, around 32 lakh vehicles, including nearly 16 lakh two-wheelers, have been registered in Indore district. He added that approximately 21 lakh vehicles are currently operating on the roads of the district.
