The Gujarat transport department has identified 3,000 two-wheeler riders who have repeatedly flouted helmet laws, with at least three offences recorded in the past three months. These persistent violators now face the prospect of having their driving licences suspended for three months.
Ahmedabad tops the list with 1,300 repeat offenders, followed by Vastral, covering East Ahmedabad, with 400 violators. “This is a first-of-its-kind move to enforce compliance with the helmet law,” said J. J. Patel, Road Transport Officer, Ahmedabad.
The list was compiled based on recommendations from local police. Notices have been issued, and offenders will be summoned to hearings at the Regional Transport Office (RTO) in Subhash Bridge before their licences are officially suspended, confirmed an RTO official who requested anonymity.
This marks the first large-scale licence suspension for such infractions in the state. Previously, suspensions were typically reserved for more serious offences, such as drink-driving or accidents.
This follows after the Gujarat High Court urged state authorities to strictly enforce helmet laws. Officials noted that riders have been given sufficient time to comply with the regulations but continue to opt for paying fines – Rs 500 for a first offence and Rs 1,000 for subsequent violations – rather than adhering to the law.
“As per the law, repeat offenders’ licences will be suspended for three months,” stated the RTO official. “Police have already started compiling details of such violations from the past three months.”
Suspended licences mean that offenders are prohibited from driving two-wheelers legally for the suspension period. A senior traffic department official warned that those caught riding during this time would face additional legal consequences.
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