Riders & families
One helmet per head, every trip.
- Buy BIS-certified helmets for pillion and children
- Fasten the strap before starting
- Replace after any crash
Two-wheeler safety
Helmets save lives — so why don't riders wear them?
Two-wheeler users were 46.2% of India's road deaths in 2024, and 54,122 people died not wearing a helmet. Here is the evidence, and what the law requires of riders and pillion passengers.
- BIS-certified helmets only
- Rider and pillion
- 54,122 deaths without a helmet (2024)
- Of road deaths were two-wheeler users (2024)
- 46.2%
- People killed not wearing a helmet (2024)
- 54,122
- Lower risk of death with correct helmet use (WHO)
- 6×+
- Lower risk of brain injury, up to (WHO)
- 74%
The evidence
The cheapest life-saver on the road
The World Health Organization says correct helmet use can reduce the risk of death in a crash by more than six times and the risk of brain injury by up to 74%. In India, 81,780 two-wheeler users died in 2024 — 46.2% of all road deaths — and 54,122 people who died were not wearing a helmet (MoRTH).
Section 129 of the Motor Vehicles Act requires every person above four years of age driving, riding or being carried on a motorcycle to wear protective headgear meeting the standards set by the Central Government (Sikhs wearing a turban are exempt). Since 1 June 2021, only BIS-certified helmets to IS 4151:2015 may be made or sold.
- Look for the BIS mark and IS 4151 label
- A snug fit that doesn't shift when you shake your head
- Chin strap fastened on every ride
- A helmet for the pillion — and for children
14,652
Pillion passengers who died without a helmet in 2024
Buying & wearing
What makes a helmet actually protect you
A helmet only works if it is certified, fits, is fastened and is still in good condition.
Certified
Buy only BIS-certified helmets to IS 4151:2015 — mandatory since 1 June 2021. Cap-style and 'construction' helmets don't qualify.
Right fit
It should sit level just above the eyebrows and not move when you shake your head.
Fastened
Clip the chin strap every time. An unfastened helmet can come off in a crash.
Replaced
Replace a helmet after any crash or hard drop, even if it looks fine.
The law
Helmet rules in India
- 1
2019
Section 129 & ₹1,000 fine
The MV Amendment Act covers everyone above four years on a motorcycle; Section 194D sets a ₹1,000 fine and three months' licence disqualification.
- 2
Nov 2020
Quality Control Order
MoRTH's Helmet (Quality Control) Order, S.O. 4252(E), makes BIS certification to IS 4151:2015 compulsory.
- 3
Jun 2021
BIS helmets only
The order takes effect on 1 June 2021 — non-certified two-wheeler helmets can no longer be made or sold.
- 4
Feb 2023
Child safety rules
Children aged 9 months to 4 years must wear a crash helmet and safety harness, with speed capped at 40 km/h (notified Feb 2022, in force 15 Feb 2023).
MoRTH data
Deaths without a helmet are not falling
Persons killed in road crashes while not wearing a helmet, from MoRTH's annual reports.
More than 1 in 4 was a passengerOf the 54,122 people who died without a helmet in 2024, 39,470 were riders and 14,652 were pillion passengers.
Source: MoRTH — Road Accidents in India 2022, 2023 and 2024.
People killed not wearing a helmet
India, 2022–2024 (drivers + passengers)
- 50,0292022
- 54,5682023
- 54,1222024
Myth vs fact
Excuses that cost lives
Myth: I'm only going a short distance.
Fact: The protection works on every trip: WHO says correct helmet use cuts the risk of death more than six times.
Myth: Pillion riders don't need one.
Fact: Section 129 covers anyone being carried on a motorcycle. In 2024, 14,652 pillion passengers died not wearing a helmet.
Myth: Any helmet is good enough.
Fact: Only BIS-certified helmets to IS 4151:2015 may be made or sold since 1 June 2021.
Myth: Small children don't need helmets.
Fact: Since 15 February 2023, children aged 9 months to 4 years must wear a crash helmet and safety harness, and the speed limit is 40 km/h.
Get involved
Make every ride a helmet ride
Industry & dealers
Make the safe choice the default one.
- Supply a BIS helmet at purchase, as CMVR Rule 138(4)(f) requires
- Offer lighter, ventilated models
- Support helmet programmes for delivery riders
Government & police
Enforce for everyone on the bike.
- Enforce for pillion riders too
- Act on sales of non-certified helmets
- Target districts with the most two-wheeler deaths
WHO guidance
What works to raise helmet use
WHO's helmet manual (2nd edition, 2023) sets out the laws, standards and enforcement that increase helmet wearing.
Sources
Figures on this page come from these public sources (checked September 2026).
- 1.MoRTH — Road Accidents in India 2024 (Jun 2026)
- 2.MoRTH — Road Accidents in India 2023
- 3.MoRTH — Road Accidents in India 2022
- 4.WHO — Road traffic injuries fact sheet
- 5.Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019 — Gazette
- 6.BIS — Helmet Quality Control Order, 2020
- 7.Autocar India — child helmet & harness rules