Welcome move: Dealers in Assam now have to provide helmets during sale of 2-wheelers

Feb. 2: In a welcome move, the Commissioner of Transport, Government of Assam as per a notification categorically stated that from now onwards all two-wheeler dealers in the state will have to supply buyers with protective headgear and helmets as per the specifications prescribed by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) with ISI mark.

“As per the Clause 138(4)(f) of Central Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989, the manufacturers of two-wheelers shall supply a protective headgear at the time of purchase, in line with the specifications prescribed by the Bureau of Indian Standers (BIS)….As you are aware that a large number of two wheeler riders and pillion riders die due to road accidents every year. These precious lives can be saved if the rider and pillion wear protective headgear or helmet of specified standard,” the notification stated.

Moreover, all District Transport Offices (DTO) were asked to issue directives to two-wheeler dealers under their jurisdiction to adhere to the rules. Further, the Transport Commissioner also directed the DTOs to instruct the dealers to affix signboards at visible places at their showrooms to create public awareness, so that from now on people can claim a BIS-approved helmet at the time of purchasing a two-wheeler. “Any violations would be dealt with serious consequences,” added the notification.

The Commissioner of Transport further stated, “All DTOs are to issue necessary direction to two-wheeler dealers under their jurisdiction to strictly adhere to the aforementioned Central Motor Vehicle Rule, 1989. Besides, the dealers should be instructed to affix sign board at conspicuous place at their showrooms to create public awareness so that people can claim helmet at the time of purchase of two wheeler.”