Tamil Nadu Director General of Police (DGP) Shankar Jiwal has issued a stern warning against spreading false information that helmets are not mandatory for two-wheeler riders and pillion riders. He clarified that the helmet rule is strictly enforced, and violators will face legal consequences.
In an official statement, DGP Shankar Jiwal highlighted the alarming statistics of road accidents in Tamil Nadu, noting that nearly 40% of the fatalities every year involve two-wheeler accidents. To prevent such tragedies, wearing helmets has been mandatory for both riders and pillion passengers since 2015.
The DGP also pointed out that traffic police impose a fine of ₹1,000 on those violating helmet regulations. However, a recent public interest litigation (PIL) filed in the Madras High Court by advocate K.K. Rajendran alleged that the government has failed to implement the helmet rule effectively.
During the hearing, the High Court expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s efforts, stating that issuing a mere directive is insufficient to ensure compliance. Following this, the police intensified vehicle checks across the state to enforce the helmet rule.
In recent days, rumors have been circulating on social media claiming that the government has relaxed the mandatory helmet rule for riders and pillion passengers. The DGP refuted these claims, reiterating that the rule remains in effect and that strict action will be taken against those spreading such misinformation.