Gujarat has initiated the enforcement of helmet regulations within its government offices as part of a month-long statewide campaign to reduce road accidents and ensure compliance with traffic laws. The ‘Helmet Enforcement Special Drive’, scheduled from May 1 to May 31, involves placing traffic police at the entrances of government buildings to monitor compliance among public servants. Those failing to wear helmets will face legal consequences, marking a new phase of enforcement starting internally.
A recent circular has made it clear that wearing helmets is compulsory for both riders and pillion passengers as per Section 129 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. The directive emphasizes strict enforcement, with immediate fines for violators being a key measure. This initiative spans all districts, with continuous checks on two-wheeler riders being conducted by the police.
To ensure accountability, Police Commissioners and Range Heads are required to submit daily reports to the state headquarters by 8 A.M., detailing violations by the general public and government employees. Following a successful helmet enforcement model in Surat, authorities plan to replicate this strategy in other major cities like Ahmedabad, Rajkot, and Vadodara, as well as in smaller districts.
The presence of traffic personnel at government office entrances aims to correct any non-compliance among public servants, who are expected to lead by example in obeying the law. The circular stresses that no leniency will be shown, with fines imposed immediately on violators during the campaign. While enforcement efforts are being intensified, the main goal remains to enhance road safety awareness and reduce accident rates statewide.
The effectiveness of the campaign will be evaluated through daily monitoring, focusing on compliance levels and any potential decrease in road accidents during the drive.
