No Helmet, No Fuel: Lucknow to Enforce Helmet Rule from January 26

The Lucknow district administration has issued a directive instructing petrol pumps in Uttar Pradesh’s capital to deny fuel to motorists and pillion riders without helmets starting January 26. This is part of the state government’s “No Helmet, No Fuel” policy aimed at reducing road fatalities from two-wheeler accidents.

An order to this effect was released by Lucknow District Magistrate (DM) Surya Pal Gangwar on Monday, as reported by PTI.

“The move aligns with the Uttar Pradesh Transport Commissioner’s directive issued on January 8. It is imperative to raise awareness about road safety and address deaths caused due to the non-use of helmets,” the notice stated.

“It will be mandatory for two-wheeler riders and passengers to wear protective headgear conforming to BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) as per Section 129 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, and Rule 201 of the Uttar Pradesh Motor Vehicles Rules, 1998,” it added.

According to the directive, petrol stations have a seven-day deadline to set up large signboards to highlight the new policy.

To avoid potential disputes, the directive also specifies that pump owners must ensure their CCTV systems are operational.

More than 24,000 killed in road accidents in 2022 in UP: Data

According to data referenced by Uttar Pradesh Transport Commissioner Brajesh Narain Singh, a significant number of two-wheeler fatalities involve riders and passengers not wearing helmets.

In 2022, the state officially reported 36,875 road accidents, resulting in 24,109 deaths and 21,696 injuries, according to central government figures.

Lucknow accounted for 1,408 of these incidents, with 643 fatalities and 994 individuals injured.