The Two-Wheeler Helmet Manufacturers Association of India (2WHMA) has come out in support of the Uttar Pradesh government for its decisive action against the sale and usage of counterfeit BIS-certified helmets. This initiative is seen as a benchmark for road safety reforms across the country.
Wearing a fake helmet in UP? Prepare for a challan
Having alarming road safety statistics of over 46,000 accidents and 24,000 deaths last year, the Uttar Pradesh Transport Department has launched a robust enforcement campaign. The new crackdown mandates FIRs against those using or selling non-compliant helmets and emphasises widespread public awareness to promote the use of certified, protective headgear.
Rajeev Kapur, President of 2WHMA and Managing Director of Steelbird Helmets, praised the move as a “landmark decision.” He credited the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Transport Commissioner BN Singh for prioritising citizen safety and confronting the counterfeit helmet market head-on.
“Fake and substandard helmets are silent killers,” Kapur stated. “Uttar Pradesh’s bold stance sends a powerful message to manufacturers and consumers alike, reinforcing that only BIS-certified helmets have a place on Indian roads,” he added.
For years, 2WHMA has highlighted the dangers posed by low-quality, uncertified helmets that flood the market. According to Kapur, effective enforcement must be paired with public education and manufacturer accountability to bring about lasting change. The association is now calling on all other Indian states to follow Uttar Pradesh’s lead and implement similar reforms.
“Road safety isn’t a state-level issue, it’s a national crisis,” Kapur emphasised. “We urge all state governments to step up and enforce BIS compliance. We’re ready to support them in every way possible,” he added.
With this latest initiative, Uttar Pradesh has not only taken a firm stance on rider safety but has also ignited a broader conversation on the need for nationwide enforcement. The 2WHMA believes this could mark the beginning of a larger movement to reduce avoidable deaths through genuine helmet use across India.
