THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Travelers who do not wear helmets in the back of two-wheelers or those who do not wear seatbelts in their cars will be advised to pay fines instead. Helmets and seatbelts were made compulsory from yesterday but were not fined yesterday as it was the first day. Instead, police and transportation department officials have been raising awareness. But the concession will not be available from today.
The Transport Commissioner has directed the 85 Enforcement Squads of the State to impose penalties on those traveling without helmets. Violators will be tracked through 240 surveillance cameras. Including children traveling in the back seat of two-wheelers should wear helmets. Motor vehicle department officials said they would face double charges if both were not wearing helmets. The fines are from the vehicle owner. 500 for the first time.
If the mistake is repeated the fine will be doubled. If not, the license will be suspended. Even if the fines are not paid, action will be taken against the vehicle owner. Two-wheeler riders over the age of four are BIS. The directive is to wear an approved helmet. Last week, the Principal Secretary of the Transport Department had issued a letter to the Transport Commissioner, DGP, District Collectors and RTOs. The police and the transport department have decided to tighten the helmet and seatbelt checks from today.