Karnataka Plans Action Against Half Helmets, Proposes Rs 5,000 Fine for Footpath Riding

Speaking to reporters at Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru, Suresh said action would be initiated against manufacturers and sellers, particularly shops and warehouses found stocking half helmets for sale.

“There is an increase in the number of people wearing half helmets. There is no provision for half helmets. We have decided to take action against the manufacturers and are examining the legal provisions,” he said.

Half helmets, also known as shorty or skull-cap helmets, cover the top of the head but leave areas including the face, chin, ears and lower neck exposed. They are generally cheaper than full-face helmets and are commonly used by two-wheeler riders, including pillion passengers.

The minister also said the government is considering a steep increase in the penalty for riding two-wheelers on footpaths. The proposed fine is Rs 5,000 for a first offence and Rs 10,000 for a second offence.

Suresh said the Transport and Home departments had submitted a proposal and that a final decision would be taken after the Legal Department gives its opinion.

“Footpaths are meant for pedestrians, but two-wheelers and four-wheelers are being driven on them, endangering people's lives. Several people have been killed and injured in such incidents. The fine, which was earlier Rs 500, is proposed to be increased to Rs 5,000,” he said.

The government is also considering a tenfold increase in the penalty for violating one-way traffic restrictions. The existing fine for such violations is Rs 1,000.

Suresh said the proposed measures were part of a broader effort to reduce traffic violations and improve road safety, with particular attention being given to footpath riding and violations involving one-way roads, which can lead to accidents and casualties.

“The fines will be increased substantially to deter traffic violations and ensure that motorists follow the rules,” he said.

The proposed changes were discussed during a joint review meeting held by Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge and Transport Minister B. Suresh with senior officials at Vidhana Soudha on Wednesday. The meeting focused on measures to address traffic congestion in Bengaluru, strengthen road safety and deal more strictly with repeat traffic offenders.

Officials also discussed the introduction of a points-based driving licence system, under which drivers would accumulate points for different traffic violations. A licence could potentially be suspended once a driver crosses a specified penalty-point threshold, subject to the required legal framework.

The meeting further examined the possibility of integrating the Transport Department's Sarathi system with the Bengaluru Traffic Police's e-Challan platform. Such integration would allow traffic personnel to verify driving licence details at the roadside, access a driver's previous violation history and link new offences to the individual's digital record.

Other proposed measures included higher penalties for offences affecting traffic movement and public safety, such as parking on footpaths, driving against the direction of one-way traffic, riding on footpaths, unauthorised parking, parking in no-parking areas and traffic signal violations.