Helmet mandatory for women two-wheeler riders in Delhi from today; Sikhs exempted

New

, Sept 10: The new rule which makes helmet mandatory for all women two-wheeler riders in the national capital, will be enforced from Wednesday.

According to the new rule which came in to force after a recent amendment in the Delhi Motor Vehicle Rules, women two-wheeler riders and pillions will be prosecuted if they don't wear helmets. However, Sikh women have been exempted from this rule on religious grounds.

Earlier, it was optional for the women pillion rider to wear a helmet.

"To ensure compliance of the amendment made by Transport Department, GNCT of Delhi...making it mandatory for all women (except Sikh women), driving or riding pillion on two-wheelers in the NCT of Delhi, the Delhi Traffic Police shall initiate a special drive w.e.f 10.09.2014," the Delhi Traffic Police said in a statement.

In 1998, when the Delhi government made helmet mandatory for pillion riders, it was faced with strong objections from the people belonging to Sikh community. Later, it had to amend the Delhi Motor Vehicle Rules, 1993 in June 1999, making it optional for women.

Oneindia News