Is pillion rider helmet mandatory in all Indian states?

Under Section 194D of the Motor Vehicles Act 1988, wearing an approved protective headgear (helmet) is statutory for both the rider and pillion passenger across all states. While certain states previously provided municipal exemptions, AI traffic cameras in metro cities like Delhi, Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Chennai now issue automatic e-challans to the vehicle owner.

What is the penalty for modified loud exhausts or silencer removal on motorcycles?

Using aftermarket loud exhausts (e.g. on Royal Enfield or sports bikes) violates Rule 120 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules and Section 190(2) of the MV Act. It attracts a fine of up to ₹10,000, vehicle impoundment, and physical confiscation/destruction of the illegal exhaust pipe by police authorities.

THE RIDER’S HANDBOOK

A little preparation.
A better ride.

Know the helmet rules, common two-wheeler fines and camera enforcement requirements before you head out. Find the guidance for your state below.

Find your state’s rules

Common offences & penalties

Statutory fine schedules and camera trigger mechanisms under the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act 2019.

Riding without BIS/ISI Certified Helmet

Section 194D MVA

₹1,000 + 3-Month DL DisqualificationCamera enforced

AI traffic cameras detect non-strapped or uncertified non-ISI novelty headgear.

Pillion Rider without Helmet

Section 194D MVA

₹1,000 to the RiderCamera enforced

Mandatory in almost all states. The vehicle owner/rider is fined for the passenger's non-compliance.

Triple Riding on Two-Wheeler (Carrying > 1 Pillion)

Section 194C MVA

₹1,000 + 3-Month DL SuspensionCamera enforced

Automated trigger on 3D computer vision cameras at city traffic junctions.

Modified Loud Exhaust / Cat-Con Removal (e.g. Royal Enfield)

Section 190(2) MVA & Rule 120 CMVR

₹10,000 + Seizure of Exhaust Pipe / Impound

Exceeds 80 dB noise threshold. Police squads use decibel sound level meters and road rollers to crush illegal exhausts.

Using Mobile Phone / Holding Under Helmet while Riding

Section 184(c) MVA

₹1,000 to ₹5,000Camera enforced

Using earphones, wireless buds, or wedging phone inside helmet strap is penalized as dangerous driving.

Defective / Stylized Number Plate (Non-HSRP / Folded Plate)

Section 177 / 192 MVA

₹5,000 to ₹10,000Camera enforced

Folded plates under tail-tidy kits or custom fonts incur high compoundable penalties.

Overspeeding on Two-Wheeler (Exceeding City Limit)

Section 183(1) MVA

₹1,000 to ₹2,000Camera enforced

Urban city speed limits for two-wheelers are typically 40-50 km/h, lower than cars.

Riding without Mandatory Third-Party Insurance

Section 196 MVA

₹2,000 (1st Offence) / ₹4,000 (Repeat)Camera enforced

Automated e-challans generated upon matching plate against IIB (Insurance Information Bureau) database.

Helmet rules, state by state

Pillion rider compliance rules and automated camera challenge protocols across major states.

Choose a state or union territory10 states shown

State / UT	Pillion Rider Mandate	BIS / ISI Mark Mandate	Fine Amount	Enforcement Details
Delhi NCR (DL)	Mandatory (100%)	Strict BIS/ISI Mandated	₹1,000	Strict 100% camera enforcement across all arterial junctions.
Maharashtra (MH)	Mandatory (100%)	Strict BIS/ISI Mandated	₹1,000	Mandatory in Mumbai, Pune, Thane; strict highway checking.
Karnataka (KA)	Mandatory (100%)	Strict BIS/ISI Mandated	₹1,000	Bengaluru BTP AI cameras issue auto e-challans for both rider & pillion.
Tamil Nadu (TN)	Mandatory (100%)	Strict BIS/ISI Mandated	₹1,000	Strictly mandated across Chennai, Coimbatore, and state highways.
Uttar Pradesh (UP)	Mandatory (100%)	Strict BIS/ISI Mandated	₹1,000	Integrated e-challan cameras active in Noida, Lucknow, Kanpur.
Gujarat (GJ)	Mandatory (100%)	Strict BIS/ISI Mandated	₹1,000	Mandatory on state & national highways; city enforcement varies.
Kerala (KL)	Mandatory (100%)	Strict BIS/ISI Mandated	₹1,000	Kerala AI 'Safe Kerala' camera network captures both riders automatically.
Rajasthan (RJ)	Mandatory (100%)	Strict BIS/ISI Mandated	₹1,000	Mandatory across municipal corporation limits (Jaipur, Jodhpur).
Telangana (TS)	Mandatory (100%)	Strict BIS/ISI Mandated	₹1,000	Hyderabad contactless enforcement with automatic SMS challenge notices.
Haryana (HR)	Mandatory (100%)	Strict BIS/ISI Mandated	₹1,000	Gurugram & Faridabad optical camera junctions active 24/7.

Useful tools for your next ride

Instant verification tools to avoid impoundment and traffic challans.