New Helmet Standards, for lighter, sturdier and affordable helmets

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has now set a cap on the maximum weight of helmets to 1.2kgs. The amendment is effective from 15 January 2019 and is a compulsion for every manufacturer to abide by it. The road transport ministry has also started the process to bring manufacturing of all helmets under the BIS certification.

“The new standards are designed in accordance to Indian speed limits and riding conditions hence these will be more appropriate to design and manufacture two wheeler helmets for gen-next” Mr Rajeev Kapur, President, 2 Wheeler Helmet Manufacturers Association.

From now on, the sale of non-standard helmets will become a criminal offense. For the first offence the penalty would amount to two years jail or fine of at least Rs 2 lakh, subsequent offences would attract higher fine. This will be applicable from next 60 days. Thereby ending the sale of spurious and low-quality helmets that are sold on the road-side. The road transport authorities will also ban the use of caps, cricket and industrial safety helmets while riding a motorcycle. This step will reduce the fatal road accidents and also curb the illegal sale of spurious and fake helmets. The government has given a six month period for the standard to get implemented by manufacturers, effective from 15th January 2019.

“Safe and Comfortable Helmet for Indian Conditions”

Steelbird Hi-Tech India Ltd, has announced that it has developed the lightest helmet meeting the new standards and is to be launched under the model name SBH 16 weighing approximately  700 grams. The authorities have mentioned that those who already have bought should not use the fake product as it is dangerous and can lead to fatal injuries. This ISI certification will also apply for the leading international brands who were exporting helmets to India as per European and US standard.