Bengaluru, October 1, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Karnataka government is planning action against the use and sale of half helmets and has proposed a sharp increase in fines for riding two-wheelers on footpaths, Transport Minister B. Suresh said on Thursday.
Speaking to reporters at Vidhana Soudha, Suresh said the government was examining the legal provisions required to act against manufacturers and sellers of half helmets, particularly those stocking them for sale in shops and godowns.
“There is an increase in the number of people wearing half helmets. There is no provision for half helmets. We have decided to take action against the manufacturers and are examining the legal provisions,” he said.
Half helmets, also known as shorty or skull-cap helmets, cover the top of the head while leaving the face, chin, ears and lower neck exposed. They are commonly used by two-wheeler riders, including pillion passengers.
The government is also considering raising the penalty for riding two-wheelers on footpaths to Rs 5,000 for a first offence and Rs 10,000 for a second offence.
Suresh said the Transport and Home departments had submitted a proposal and a final decision would be taken after obtaining the Legal Department’s opinion.
“Footpaths are meant for pedestrians, but two-wheelers and four-wheelers are being driven on them, endangering people’s lives. Several people have been killed and injured in such incidents,” he said.
The existing Rs 500 fine for footpath riding is proposed to be increased to Rs 5,000.
The government is also considering increasing the penalty for violating one-way traffic rules tenfold. The existing fine of Rs 1,000 could be raised substantially under the proposal.
The measures were discussed at a joint review meeting held by Home Minister Priyank Kharge and Transport Minister Suresh with senior officials on Wednesday to address traffic congestion in Bengaluru and strengthen road safety enforcement.
The meeting also examined a points-based driving licence system under which motorists would accumulate penalty points for different traffic violations, with suspension possible after reaching a specified threshold.
Officials discussed integrating the Transport Department’s Sarathi system with the Bengaluru Traffic Police’s e-Challan platform. The proposed integration would allow traffic personnel to verify driving licence validity on the spot, access a motorist’s previous violations and link new offences directly to the driver’s digital record.
The review also covered higher penalties for violations affecting traffic flow and public safety, including footpath parking, driving against the direction on one-way roads, unauthorised parking, parking in no-parking zones and signal violations.
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