Nationwide Crackdown on Fake ISI Helmets

The Two Wheeler Helmet Manufacturer Association of India has welcomed the Greater Chennai Traffic Police’s decision to intensify helmet enforcement for two-wheeler riders and pillion passengers, while calling for a nationwide crackdown on counterfeit ISI-marked and non-compliant helmets. The initiative includes strict action against helmet violations, photographic documentation and e-challans. The association said consistent enforcement is essential to improving road safety and ensuring that every two-wheeler occupant wears a helmet, irrespective of gender or seating position. According to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways’ Road Accidents in India 2023 report, 54,568 people who were not wearing helmets died in road accidents in 2023, including 39,160 drivers and 15,408 passengers. Another 1,05,727 people sustained injuries while not wearing helmets. Mr Rajeev Kapur, President, Two Wheeler Helmet Manufacturer Association of India, said, “We wholeheartedly welcome the Greater Chennai Traffic Police’s firm stand on helmet enforcement. Every life lost due to inadequate protection reinforces the need for consistent compliance. Both riders and pillion passengers must wear helmets, and traffic rules must be enforced without gender-based exemptions. “However, road safety goes beyond wearing a helmet. Consumers must also have access to genuine, certified products that meet applicable safety standards. We urge authorities nationwide to intensify action against manufacturers and sellers of counterfeit ISI-marked helmets.” The association highlighted enforcement action by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). According to a Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution release dated July 5, 2025, BIS conducted over 30 search-and-seizure operations and tested more than 500 helmets during FY 2024–25. In separate operations, over 2,500 non-compliant helmets were seized from nine manufacturers in Delhi, while approximately 500 substandard helmets were seized from 17 retail and roadside locations. The association urged BIS, police and consumer protection authorities to strengthen manufacturing inspections, market surveillance, licence verification, supply-chain accountability and consumer awareness to prevent counterfeit and non-compliant helmets from reaching buyers.