Crackdown on substandard and half helmets in Bengaluru: 19 shops raided, fines imposed

In a major citywide operation, authorities in Bengaluru have launched a crackdown on helmet stores selling substandard and "half-helmets" (non-ISI marked headgear), which have been increasingly linked to fatal road accidents.

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Joint teams from the Traffic Police, Regional Transport Office (RTO), and the Legal Metrology Department carried out inspections across 19 locations, targeting shops involved in selling helmets that fail to meet safety standards.

The raids were conducted in key areas such as Siddiah Road, Kalasipalya Road, Lalbagh Road, Magadi Road, Sumanahalli, Vijayanagar, Agrahara Dasarahalli, Nagarbhavi, and Outer Ring Road. These areas have a high density of helmet shops and frequent traffic violations.

The inspection teams focused on identifying shops selling banned half-helmets and helmets of inferior quality that do not comply with safety regulations. Despite a ban in place, many outlets were found selling these risky headgears openly, endangering the lives of two-wheeler riders.

Authorities seized a significant number of non-compliant helmets. The Legal Metrology Department issued notices under the Legal Metrology Act, penalizing six shops with a fine of Rs 50,000 each. The remaining 13 shops have been issued court notices and will be penalized accordingly.

In addition, the Transport Department took action against riders using these substandard helmets. 38 two-wheeler riders were fined, and proceedings have been initiated to suspend their driving licenses for violating helmet safety norms.

Officials highlighted that the rise in road fatalities involving two-wheeler riders is partly due to the use of non-ISI certified helmets that offer no real protection during accidents