Without Helmet Fine in Delhi

The driving without helmet fine is a traffic regulation in Delhi that penalises those motorists who do not follow the helmet rules in the city. The Delhi Traffic Police lays down the traffic rules as stated in the Motor Vehicles Act 1988, which all must follow.

Section 129 of the Motor Vehicles Act states that every person above 4 years of age must wear headgear. This rule applies whether you are riding a bike or being carried on it.

Therefore, the Act makes it very clear that a helmet is compulsory for the rider and the pillion. In Delhi, the fine for driving without a helmet is ₹1000 and/or licence disqualification for 3 months, community service for 3 months. The without helmet challan is applicable to both the rider and the pillion on the bike. Earlier, the fine for without a helmet was ₹100.

However, the motorists did not adhere to the rules and were seen riding without any helmets in the city. Therefore, the authorities decided to implement the fine according to the amendments of the Motor Vehicles Act.

Wearing a helmet or headgear is not a mere requirement as per the law; it is essential for motorists' safety. In the absence of a helmet, the rider and the pillion can suffer fatal injuries in an accident.

• Therefore, in Delhi, there is also a pillion rider helmet fine to ensure the pillion’s safety. If a traffic police officer catches you driving without a helmet in Delhi, they will issue a without helmet challan and the following procedure will be followed.

• The Delhi Traffic police officers have the authority to stop your vehicle if you are riding without a helmet. They may ask you to produce documents such as a licence, two-wheeler insurance, PUC certificate, etc.

• If you possess the documents, you will only have to pay the no-helmet fine. However, if you do not have any of the documents, you will have to pay a helmet fine as well as an additional penalty for not possessing the documents.

• The officer will issue a challan even if the pillion is not wearing a helmet. In that case, you will have to pay a pillion rider helmet fine.

• The officer may issue an e-challan or hand you a physical challan. If you receive a physical challan, you must pay it to the officer on the spot. In case he issues an e-challan, you will receive it on your phone number and you can pay it later.

If you have received a driving without helmet fine in Delhi, you can pay it online in either of the two ways mentioned below:

Delhi Traffic Police website

Parivahan website

Through the Delhi Traffic Police website

• Open the Delhi Traffic Police website.

• Navigate to the “Pending Challan/Notice” tab and click.

• Choose the option Pending Notices” from the dropdown menu.

• On the next page, you must provide the vehicle number or notice number. Then, click “Search Details.”

• The next page will display the challan details on your vehicle.

• Select the challan you want to pay and proceed to the payment page.

• Save the payment receipt.

Through the Parivahan Website

• Go to the Parivahan e-challan website.

• Under the challan details option, enter the challan number, vehicle number or licence number.

• Enter the captcha correctly.

• Click on “Get Detail.”

• The details of all the challans issued against your vehicle will be displayed.

• From the challans you can pay the pillion rider helmet fine.

• Remember to save the receipt for future reference.

Another way to settle your dues and pay without helmet challan is offline if you are not familiar with the online payment method. Here are the two ways in which you can pay the fine offline.

At Delhi Traffic Police Headquarters

Through the traffic police officer

At a Police Station in Your Locality

• Go to the Delhi Traffic Police Headquarters along with essential documents such as DL, challan copy, etc.

• Enquire the officer to pay the helmet fine.

• Go to the officer in charge and provide him with the details, such as the DL number and e-challan.

• Ask him for the modes of payment available.

• Make the payment in cash or online.

• Collect the payment receipt.

Through a Traffic Police Officer

• Locate a traffic police officer on the road with an electronic challan machine.

• Provide him with your DL number and challan details.

• Ask him for the mode of payment available to pay the fine.

• Make the payment and collect the receipt.

As per the definition provided in the Motor Vehicles Act, a motorist, whether riding a bike or being carried on the bike, is compulsorily required to wear a helmet. Therefore, it is clear that even the pillion rider must wear a helmet while riding behind, according to the double helmet rule in Delhi.

Both the rider and pillion are exposed to equal danger while riding a bike. In the absence of a helmet, motorists may suffer from severe head injuries, resulting in casualties. Hence, both must wear helmets, failing which a fine may be imposed.

The only exception to the helmet rules in Delhi is the people from the Sikh community, as they are allowed to ride without a helmet when they are wearing a turban. The Motor Vehicle Act also outlines the specifications of the correct type of helmet to safeguard motorists.

What is the Right Type of Helmet to Wear?

The idea behind the introduction of helmets is to ensure the maximum safety of motorists when they are riding in a public place. One must wear the correct type of helmet that can safeguard him. For this purpose, the Motor Vehicles Act has specified the description of the helmet, mentioned below.

• The correct type of helmet has a minimum thickness of 20-25 mm and must consist of high-quality foam.

• According to Section 129 (a) of the Act, the helmet must be of such a material and shape that it should protect the rider and pillion from injury in case of an accident.

• The weight of an ideal helmet must be 1.2 kg.

• As per the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, all helmets must have an ISI mark. Sellers who deal in non-ISI marked helmets will be penalised.

• The strap of the helmet must be fastened so it is secured on the head.

• A good-quality helmet is also required to pass the BSI testing to establish its strength to withstand the impact under various weather conditions.

• The visor on the helmet must be transparent and made of a durable material.

Helmets are a safety shield for motorists, which they must wear at all times while riding their bikes. Failing which, a driving without helmet fine will be levied.

If you want to avoid the without helmet fine in Delhi, here are a few important tips to follow:

• Always wear a helmet when you set out on the road.

• Buy a helmet after ensuring that it has a genuine ISI mark on it and all the safety standards are being met.

• It is crucial to replace a damaged or old helmet with a new one.

• One must always have an extra helmet for the pillion rider to avoid getting a pillion rider helmet fine.

• Have the helmet locked on the bike so you remember to wear it.

• Always buy a helmet with the right thickness and material to ensure your safety.

• Ensure you buy a helmet that fits your head appropriately.

A motorist's driving records are proof of his adherence to the traffic rules. A driver who has fewer or no fines and penalties is a cautious driver. On the contrary, a driver who has multiple driving fines is considered an individual with high risk by insurance companies.

In many cases, rash drivers are charged a higher insurance premium for their two-wheeler insurance policy. Therefore, adhering to the rules is a way to get your hands on affordable insurance for two-wheelers.

Since motor insurance is a compulsory requirement, you must buy bike insurance. Tata AIG offers comprehensive two-wheeler insurance with multiple benefits, such as protection against third-party liabilities, own damage cover, and an option to include several add-ons. It also includes a personal accident cover to protect the driver in case of an accident.

You can get cost-effective, comprehensive two-wheeler insurance from Tata AIG with plenty of benefits to assist you, such as 24/7 assistance, cashless claims, wider network garages, customisable policies, etc.

A without helmet challan is a type of penalty for those motorists who ride without a helmet. It is in the best interest of the motorists to look after their safety by following the safety rules. However, in case you are fined for not wearing a helmet, you must pay the fine either through online or offline methods as mentioned above.

It must be remembered that a clean driving record is a crucial factor when purchasing car or bike insurance. Hence, it is best to adhere to the regulations and maintain a clean record.

What is the timeline for paying the no-helmet fine in Delhi?

The timeline for paying the without helmet fine in Delhi is 60 days.

What happens if the no-helmet challan is not paid within the timeline?

If the challan is not paid within 60 days, traffic police will visit your address to collect the fine. If you are not available or do not pay the fine, the court will summon you.