The Gujarat government has launched a month-long intensive drive across the state to strictly enforce the helmet rule, putting rider safety into focus once again. The initiative began on Friday, with the government making helmets mandatory for its own officers and employees, starting from government offices.
Zero-Tolerance Policy for All
Those flouting the rule face on-the-spot fines, with no exemptions based on rank or position. The move is aimed at ensuring that public servants lead by example in adhering to traffic laws, officials said. A police department notification issued on Thursday mandates strict enforcement of the helmet rule under Section 129 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.
Deployment and Daily Reporting
The notification states that traffic police personnel will be deployed at entrances of government offices across the state to check if two-wheeler riders, including pillion passengers, are wearing helmets. They have been instructed to follow a zero-tolerance rule on violations. The notification also lists a key feature of the drive: daily reporting. Police commissioners and range heads must submit detailed reports to state headquarters by 8am each day, outlining the number of violations by government staff and the public recorded the previous day. The report must also include the fines collected.
Previous Success and Expansion
An earlier such campaign was led by Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, where stricter enforcement in Surat showed positive results. The model is now being replicated in major cities like Ahmedabad, Rajkot, and Vadodara, along with smaller districts. Officials stated that the primary goal is not just penal action but improving road safety awareness and reducing accident rates.
