Following the backlash on imposing a blanket ban on non-ISI marked helmets, the Bangalore City traffic police have decided to withdraw its drive on substandard helmets.
Bangalore traffic police
The Bangalore traffic police has called off its crackdown on non-ISI marked helmets after seeking clarification from the BIS, which clarified that there was no way of determining if a helmet prescribed to ISI standards by just visual examination.
The crackdown that was supposed to start from February 1, 2018, has been called off after the city traffic police asked for clarification from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). In a letter to the traffic commissioner, the BIS stated that there is no way to ascertain if a helmet meets the prescribed safety standards merely by visual examination.
Special drive and Motor vehicles act
The Bangalore city police had announced a special drive against the motorcyclists and pillion riders for using substandard helmets. As per the Motor Vehicles Act, riders need to wear a helmet that has been certified by ISI. However, as reality goes, ISI certification is only the basic form of safety regulations and most evolved riders choose to opt for the safer international helmets at that meet DOT, Snell and ECE regulations.
Price of ISI marked helmets
For most ISI marked helmets, prices start from as low as Rs. 750 going up to Rs. 3500. Meanwhile, a DOT, ECE or Snell certified helmet will cost anything between Rs. 4000 going all the way up to over Rs. 1 lakh, depending on the make and model. At the end of it, it is the protection that you think your head deserves decides the helmet you opt for.
Safety is in your hands.
We always suggests you to wear a helmet, and seatbelts if you are in a car. Bit if you choose to ride seriously, make sure you invest in complete riding gear. Not only are there more chances of you walking away from a crash unscathed, you look cool as well.