The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways issued new safety guidelines for children under the age of four riding on two-wheelers. As per the new traffic law, it is mandatory for children to wear helmets and harness belts, and the speed of the two-wheeler should be just 40 km/h. Infractions of the new traffic regulations will result in a Rs 1,000 fine and a three-month suspension of the driver’s licence.
The Central Motor Vehicles Act has been amended to include the new provision to provide greater safety for minors travelling as pillion on a two-wheeler. The new regulations will go into effect on February 15, 2023. According to the new guidelines, the safety harness used must be lightweight, waterproof, padded, and have a load-bearing capability of 30 kg. The rider must fasten the youngster to the safety harness, which includes a pair of straps that form to keep the child tight throughout the ride.
According to a statement given by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MORTH), “The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, vide notification dated February 15, 2022, has amended Rule 138 of CMVR, 1989 and has prescribed norms related to safety measures for children below four years of age riding or being carried on a motorcycle.”
The new traffic regulations will come into operation one year after the Central Motor Vehicles (Second Amendment) Rules, 2022, are published. Speaking of the new guidelines, Mr Rajeev Kapur, managing director of Steelbird helmet manufacturers, said that this is unquestionably a positive start. Many nations require children to wear helmets when riding bikes. Harnesses have also been made compulsory in Kerala for many years. There are several helmets on the market featuring children’s favourite cartoon characters on them.