Latest news with #BIS-certified
News18
2 hours ago
- Automotive
- News18
After Mandating ABS, Govt Considering Hands-Off Detection In Bikes
Last Updated: Centre to enforce stricter safety norms for two-wheelers, requiring overspeed warnings and hands-off handlebar detection to reduce reckless riding and improve road safety. Despite the severe risks involved, some individuals continue to engage in reckless driving, overspeeding, and hands-off riding to create social media reels. This behaviour not only endangers their own lives but also the lives of other road users. In a significant step toward enhancing road safety, the Centre is preparing to tighten safety norms for two-wheelers. After mandating anti-lock braking systems (ABS) and certified helmets, the government is now considering a new set of regulations aimed directly at reckless behaviour such as overspeeding and hands-off riding. According to a LiveMint report, the government plans to make overspeed warning systems and hands-off handlebar detection features mandatory in all new motorcycles. These safety systems will monitor rider behaviour and issue visual and audible alerts when speed limits are exceeded or when the rider removes their hands from the handlebars. The proposed changes are currently under consultation but reflect a strong intent to tackle the staggering number of road accidents involving two-wheelers. Data shows that nearly 44 per cent of all road fatalities in India involve two-wheeler riders, with overspeeding and loss of control among the leading causes. These features are not just about compliance but about changing the riding culture, as riders not only endanger their lives but also put others at risk through reckless riding. The system, inspired by car safety mechanisms like seatbelt reminders, will use electronic sensors to detect unsafe riding behaviour. Once operational, it will help enforce safer practices without relying solely on manual policing. This initiative is part of a broader two-wheeler safety effort, set to take effect from January 2026. All new two-wheelers will be required to come equipped with ABS, a braking technology already mandated for motorcycles above 125cc. The rule will now apply across the board to ensure better stability and reduced stopping distance during sudden braking. Additionally, the government has already mandated the inclusion of two BIS-certified helmets with every new two-wheeler sale to tackle the high incidence of head injuries. For electric two-wheelers, which are virtually silent, new regulations will require built-in sound-generating systems to alert pedestrians and nearby vehicles, enhancing safety for both riders and others on the road. These upcoming safety norms highlight the government's commitment to reducing road fatalities and ensuring a safer riding experience in a country where two-wheelers dominate daily commuting. view comments First Published: July 24, 2025, 17:40 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
Helmet rule flouted by over 70% of riders across AP
Visakhapatnam: Nearly 74% of two-wheeler riders in urban areas and 78% in rural Andhra Pradesh violated helmet safety norms in 2024, according to a report by the Transportation Research and Injury Prevention (TRIP) Centre at IIT Delhi. Alarmingly, over 98% of pillion riders — both urban and rural — failed to wear helmets last year. Despite repeated awareness drives and clear mandates from the Committee on Road Safety and the government, helmet use remains sporadic among two-wheeler users across the state. This negligence contributed to 30–35% of road fatalities in Andhra Pradesh. Within the Vizag police commissionerate limits alone, over five lakh helmet violations were reported in 2024. Of the 8.72 lakh traffic infractions citywide, 57.6% — more than five lakh — were committed by riders traveling without helmets. As per Section 129 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, both riders and pillion passengers must wear protective headgear conforming to BIS standards. However, a senior police official noted that widespread disregard for the law continues, placing many lives at risk. On average, the state sees six to eight road crash deaths daily due to non-use of helmets. Ministry data shows 3,042 fatalities among two-wheeler users in 2022 — including 970 pillion riders — for not wearing headgear. Most of the patients admitted to trauma centres across the state following road crashes were not wearing helmets at the time of the incident. This group comprises both two-wheeler drivers and pillion passengers who failed to wear helmets and consequently sustained serious injuries. Authorities say only one to two percent of pillion riders in cities such as Vizag and Vijayawada wear helmets despite repeated appeals and warnings. Officials expressed concern over the growing disregard for this vital safety practice. Stringent enforcement and awareness campaigns have contributed to some drop in primary riders without helmets in Vizag. However, pillion riders seem to be ignoring their safety, which could prove fatal in case of road crashes. Despite the series of awareness campaigns, pillion riders continue to neglect this critical safety measure, said a senior police officer in Vizag. GFX Pillion riders top helmet violation chart Section 129 of MV-Act says both rider and pillion rider on a two-wheeler must wear helmets, and failure to comply can result in a fine for the rider. Vizag city police issued over nine lakh challans to two-wheeler riders for not wearing helmets in two years. The enforcement officials book at least over 12 lakh cases in the state in a year for not wearing head-guard. Helmetless pillion riders are just as vulnerable to head injuries in road crashes as the rider. Parents to purchase helmets only for the rider, often neglect for the child A BIS-certified helmets costs in between Rs1,500 and Rs5,000 The union government has mandated that all helmets show the ISI mark issued by the BIS Nearly 900 to 1,000 pillion riders die in AP in road crashes for not wearing helmets Police and RTA personnel plans to impose fines for pillions not wearing helmets
Time of India
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
Demand will explode, but market short by a crore units: Steelbird MD on two-helmet rule
Rajeev Kapur, Managing Director, Steelbird Hi-Tech India Ltd. India is set to take a major step forward in two-wheeler safety . The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways had recently proposed a change to the Central Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989. This will make it mandatory for manufacturers to provide two BIS-certified helmets - one for the rider and one for the pillion - with every new two-wheeler sold in the country starting January 2026. The move aims to promote safer riding habits and reduce the number of road fatalities, especially among pillion riders, who often skip wearing helmets. As per the draft notification, dealerships will also be required to hand over both helmets at the time of vehicle delivery. For an industry long plagued by poor safety awareness and rampant use of fake helmets, this move could bring a much-needed change. According to Rajeev Kapur, Managing Director of Steelbird, this rule could spark a major boom in helmet demand. 'If every new two-wheeler comes with two helmets, that alone will create a requirement of over 4 crore helmets annually,' he said during a media interaction. However, there's a challenge. Kapur said that the actual production capacity for genuine ISI-certified helmets in India is just about 3 crore units a year. This leaves a significant gap. Simple One review: Is this the EV to beat? | TOI Auto The proposed rule is in line with the government's broader push to reduce road fatalities. India reports over 1.5 lakh deaths annually due to road accidents, with two-wheeler riders making up a large chunk. Steelbird, one of the largest helmet manufacturers in India, is already investing heavily in automation and plant expansion, and plans to launch 75 new models over the next five years to cater to all segments, from budget to premium. But a key concern still remains: the widespread availability of fake helmets. These look like real helmets but don't meet safety standards and offer no real protection. Kapur said that nearly half of the helmets on Indian roads are fake, and insists that any law mandating two helmets per vehicle must be backed with strong checks to ensure only genuine ISI-marked products are sold. 'If this law is enforced well, it will not only protect more lives, but also help weed out counterfeit players from the market,' he added. Discover everything about the automotive world at Times of India .
Time of India
15-07-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Urban launches slimmest 67W GaN Charger ‘Lumen' in India, priced at Rs 1,799
URBAN Smart Wearables has unveiled its first slimmest charger — Lumen 67W GaN Charger in India. Roughly the size of a credit card, the ultra-flat charger claimed to deliver up to four times faster charging than standard models, while fitting flush against walls and sockets—making it ideal for tight spaces and travel. Price and availability The charger is BIS-certified and built with smart chip technology to ensure safe and efficient performance. It's available at an introductory price of Rs 1,799 on Amazon, Flipkart, and offline retail stores across India. Powered by Gallium Nitride (GaN) technology, Lumen offers a 67W output with dual ports (USB-A and Type-C), allowing users to charge two devices simultaneously. It supports a wide range of gadgets including MacBooks, iPhones, Android phones, tablets, and Windows laptops, and comes with interchangeable global plugs for US, UK, and EU sockets. Designed for modern lifestyles, Lumen features: Foldable, ultra-slim design for easy portability Smart voltage adjustment to protect against thermal surges Matte soft-touch finish for a premium look and feel Fast-charging capability: up to 60% in 30 minutes for select devices Speaking at the launch, URBAN Co-Founder Aashish Kumbhat said, 'With Lumen, we've solved the everyday hassle of bulky chargers and slow charging—without compromising on aesthetics or ease. It's a premium product built for performance and convenience.' AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Time of India
05-07-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Centre steps up crackdown on substandard helmets; urges strict BIS enforcement for road safety
The Department of Consumer Affairs, Government of India, and the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) have urged consumers across the country to use only BIS-certified helmets. Additionally, the Department has called for strict enforcement against the manufacture or sale of helmets without BIS certification , a press release said. With over 21 crore two-wheelers on Indian roads, rider safety is paramount. While wearing a helmet is mandatory under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, its effectiveness depends on quality. Sub-standard helmets compromise protection and defeat their purpose. To address this, a Quality Control Order has been in force since 2021, mandating ISI-marked helmets certified under BIS standards (IS 4151:2015) for all two-wheeler riders. As of June 2025, there are 176 manufacturers across India holding valid BIS licences for protective helmets. The Department has observed that many helmets sold on roadsides lack the mandatory BIS certification, posing significant risks to consumers and numerous fatalities in road accidents. Therefore, there is an urgent need to tackle this issue head-on. To enforce quality standards, BIS conducts regular factory and market surveillance. In the last financial year, over 500 helmet samples were tested and more than 30 search-and-seizure operations were carried out for misuse of the BIS Standard Mark. In one Delhi operation, over 2,500 non-compliant helmets were seized from nine manufacturers with expired or cancelled licences. Similar action at 17 retail and roadside locations led to the seizure of around 500 substandard helmets, with legal proceedings underway. To enhance road safety and protect consumers, the Department of Consumer Affairs had written to District Collectors (DCs) and District Magistrates (DMs) to launch a nationwide campaign targeting manufacturers and retailers selling non-compliant helmets. This initiative was a response to growing concerns over helmet quality and their critical role in safeguarding lives on the road. The Department urged district officials to personally oversee the enforcement of the Quality Control Order and integrate the drive with existing road safety campaigns. BIS branch offices were instructed to coordinate with district administrations and police departments to support the initiative. The campaign saw encouraging results, particularly in the Delhi NCR region, and is now being expanded to other parts of the country. Earlier this year, the BIS Chennai team conducted a roadshow distributing ISI-marked helmets and held an awareness drive in collaboration with local traffic authorities to promote adherence to safety standards. The campaign is also being amplified via media, social channels, and civil society partnerships. To empower consumers, BIS has enabled verification of licensed helmet manufacturers on the BIS Care App and portal, and provided options for lodging complaints. As part of a national awareness initiative, BIS's 'Quality Connect' campaign and 'Manak Mitra' volunteers are actively educating consumers on mandatory certification for helmets and other safety products. The Department of Consumer Affairs has reaffirmed its commitment to consumer safety by removing substandard helmets from the market and promoting BIS-certified protective gear to reduce preventable road accident fatalities.
