Lucknow, 13 January 2025 – In a decisive step to improve road safety and prevent fatalities among two-wheeler users, the Uttar Pradesh Transport Department has announced the introduction of a “No Helmet, No Fuel” regulation in the state starting January 26, 2025.
Under this initiative, petrol stations are expected to refuse fuel to motorcyclists and their pillion riders if they are without helmets.
Policy Frameworks
Transport Commissioner Brajesh Narain Singh issued an official order on January 8, 2025, calling for the enforcement of the regulation by the owners of private and public petrol stations. The order makes it compulsory for both rider and pillion rider to be wearing helmets to be eligible to refuel.
The plan aims to deal with a number of two-wheeler rider deaths of alarming proportions occurring in violation of the helmet rule.
For effective compliance, the Transport Department has issued certain steps:
- Training and Awareness: The fuel station owners will be sensitized about the relevant provisions of the Motor Vehicle Act of 1988 along with the Uttar Pradesh Motor Vehicles Rules of 1998. The knowledge gained will be used for proper enforcement of the rule.
- Coordination with Various Departments: Coordination will be done regularly with the police and regional transport offices (RTOs) to monitor compliance and address any issues arising during the implementation phase.
- Awareness Campaigns: The awareness campaign will be carried out globally with the help of social media, print, and electronic media. The importance of wearing helmets saving lives will be pitched to change society into accepting this in their lifestyles voluntarily.
- Signage at Fuel Stations: All petrol stations would be required to prominently display boards stating ‘No Helmet, No Fuel’ to inform the customers about the new rule.
Background and Rationale
The decision follows a directive from Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who, during a recent review of road safety measures, expressed concern of the high number of road accident fatalities in the state. Annually, Uttar Pradesh records between 25,000 to 26,000 deaths due to road accidents, with a significant portion involving two-wheeler riders who do not wear helmets.
Previous attempts at enforcing similar measures have been sporadic and limited in their success. For instance, a ‘No Helmet, No Petrol’ drive was rolled out in Lucknow in 2017, but did not draw much compliance owing to weak enforcement and knowledge barriers among the public.
Intended to learn from these precedents, the present initiative aims to adopt a better-structured approach on a state-wide footing.
Enforcement and Penalties
Fuel station personnel are directed to strictly follow the order to deny petrol for two-wheeler riders who fail to wear helmets. In instances of repeated violations, he is expected to inform the authorities for further action. The enforcement agencies and administrative authorities will conduct periodic review meetings in order to ensure compliance with the policy.
To the public, the Transport Department has also requested that helmet-wearing should not be treated as mere legality but as a vital measure against severe injury and death. By creating respect for such riding, they hope to sharply reduce the rate of accident in the state.
Public Reception and Future Outlook
The success of the ”No Helmet No Fuel” would depend on the cooperation of the public and the commitment on the part of the fuel station owners and the law enforcement agencies.
The entire awareness campaign put in place by the Transport Department will also prove to be crucial in educating the public on the importance of wearing a helmet.
