The Transport Department has prohibited pillion riding on bikes with less than 100cc engine capacity. The order, which was issued on Monday following a 2015 High Court order, could affect lakhs of commuters in the State.
According to a circular issued to heads of the Regional Transport Offices, bikes with less than 100cc engine capacity and which have a pillion seat will not be registered any more. Additionally, bikes with pillion riders cannot be ‘permitted to travel’ as it would violate the Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989.
As reported earlier, the department is seeking to amend the rules to prohibit pillion riders on bikes with less than 50cc engine capacity, rather than 100cc being enforced currently.
Monday’s order comes in the background of the HC case between Hemanth, who suffered disability after a traffic accident in which he was in the pillion seat in Mysuru in 2009, and New India Insurance company. Both Hemanth and his friend, who was driving the vehicle, were minors at the time. His family had filed a case seeking better compensation. During the hearings, the court observed violations of rules and in 2015, directed the Transport Department to strictly enforce the rules.
