Bengaluru set to enforce mandatory helmets for young children after High Court directive

Karnataka to amend rules within six months as Bengaluru Traffic Police prepare strict enforcement for child safety on two-wheelers.

In a major push to improve road safety for minors, the Karnataka High Court has directed the State Government to immediately implement Central Motor Vehicle Rules that require helmets for child pillion riders and mandate speed limits for vehicles transporting young children. Acting on the court’s instructions, the Bengaluru Traffic Police have begun groundwork to take stringent action against parents who carry children on two-wheelers without basic safety measures.

As per reports, the State Government will amend existing rules within the next six months to make helmets compulsory even for children between nine months and four years, a category that has remained unprotected despite rising accident risks. Bengaluru’s Traffic Joint Commissioner Karthik Reddy emphasised that negligence can be fatal and highlighted that child-friendly helmets are easily available in the market for around ₹1,000, making them accessible for most households. However, adoption among Bengaluru parents has remained low despite the availability of safety gear.

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The move comes at a time when the Bengaluru Traffic Police are stepping up citywide initiatives to reduce violations and encourage responsible riding. One of the recent programmes gaining attention is ‘One Day as a Police Officer’, an initiative designed to let citizens experience the daily challenges faced by traffic personnel. Through this campaign, the police hope to build public understanding and improve compliance with road rules.

Promoting the initiative on social media, the department urged citizens to register through the BTP ASTraM app and take part in the exercise, which also comes with an official certificate of participation. The effort aims to create a sense of shared responsibility on the city’s roads, especially with rising concerns about child safety.