The Karnataka High Court has issued a strong directive mandating helmets and safety harnesses for children riding as pillion passengers on two-wheelers, calling it a “non-negotiable safety requirement” under existing Motor Vehicle Rules.
The ruling came while the court was hearing a plea seeking stricter road-safety enforcement for minors. The bench emphasized that children are among the most vulnerable road users and that enforcement agencies cannot treat their safety as optional.
According to the court, all two-wheeler riders carrying children aged under 12 years must ensure:
- A properly fitted, ISI-certified helmet for the child
- A safety harness securely attaching the child to the rider
- Compliance with speed restrictions mandated for child pillion riders
The court noted that the rules already exist but are widely ignored, resulting in preventable injuries and fatalities. It instructed the state government and traffic police to:
- Launch awareness campaigns
- Strictly enforce fines for violations
- Submit compliance status reports in upcoming hearings
The High Court also stressed that parents and guardians bear equal responsibility for child safety and cannot rely solely on law enforcement.
The directive is expected to significantly impact daily commuters in urban and rural Karnataka, where children frequently travel on two-wheelers without safety gear.
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Conclusion
The Karnataka High Court’s decision is a landmark moment for child safety on Indian roads. By mandating that child helmets and harnesses become non-negotiable, the court is demanding accountability — not just from the government, but also manufacturers, enforcement agencies and individual riders. As the six-month deadline kicks in, all eyes will be on whether this legal directive translates into safer rides for children.