Come February 1, it will be mandatory for everyone using two-wheelers to wear helmets that meet specifications laid down by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). And even the police are not exempt.
R. Hitendra, Additional Commissioner of Police (Traffic), has instructed all police officers to practice what they preach. Police personnel on bikes will have to wear certified helmets.
“The law is the same for everyone. It is the duty of every police personnel using bikes to wear BIS-standard helmets failing which they will also be slapped with fines and disciplinary action,” said Mr. Hitendra.
However, a majority of the police personnel wear substandard helmets that don’t give full coverage and are against the mandate of Motor Vehicle Act. This is because the police find such helmets more convenient when they have to use walkie-talkies while on duty.
The police will have to purchase their own helmets. According to Mr. Hitendra, the department is not responsible for supplying helmets.
A similar rule has been enforced in Mysuru, which is spearheading the safety initiative.
Mysuru Police Commissioner Subramanyeswara Rao said a circular has been issued to police personnel asking them to adhere to the rules. In case of any violation, the officer in charge of the station will also be issued a show cause notice, and a fine will be slapped on the policeperson found violating the rule, he said.
