Centre cracks down on non-ISI helmets to boost road safety

New Delhi: With over 21 crore two-wheelers on Indian roads, the Government of India has intensified efforts to eliminate substandard helmets by enforcing mandatory BIS certification. The Department of Consumer Affairs and the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) are leading a nationwide crackdown to safeguard lives through better quality control and public awareness.

Only BIS-certified helmets are legal and safe

The Department of Consumer Affairs has appealed to all consumers to wear only helmets that bear the BIS certification mark. A Quality Control Order, in effect since 2021, mandates the use of ISI-marked helmets certified under BIS standard IS 4151:2015 for two-wheeler riders.

Despite legal requirements under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, many helmets sold in roadside stalls and unregulated markets still lack BIS certification, severely compromising rider safety. “Wearing a helmet is only effective when it is of certified quality,” the Department noted in a press release.

176 licensed helmet manufacturers in India

As of June 2025, there are 176 manufacturers with valid BIS licenses for protective helmets. Yet, authorities have found that several manufacturers and vendors continue to sell non-compliant helmets, endangering lives.

To combat this, BIS regularly conducts factory and market surveillance, collecting samples and taking enforcement action against violators.

Seizures and raids: Over 3,000 substandard helmets confiscated

In the last financial year, over 500 helmet samples were tested by BIS, leading to more than 30 search-and-seizure operations.

In Delhi, over 2,500 non-compliant helmets were seized from nine manufacturers operating without valid licences.

At 17 retail and roadside locations, around 500 substandard helmets were confiscated.

Legal action is currently underway in these cases.

Nationwide campaign launched through local administration

To intensify enforcement, the Department of Consumer Affairs has written to District Collectors and Magistrates across India, urging them to launch campaigns against non-compliant helmet sales. District officials have been asked to personally monitor the initiative and align it with existing road safety campaigns.

BIS branch offices are actively coordinating with local police departments and district administrations to strengthen surveillance and enforcement. “We are seeing encouraging results, particularly in Delhi NCR, with the campaign expanding to other regions,” officials reported.

Awareness through roadshows and tech tools

BIS has also taken a proactive role in public education:

In Chennai, a roadshow and helmet distribution drive was conducted in collaboration with local traffic police.

The BIS Care Ap* and BIS Portal now allow users to verify manufacturer licenses and lodge complaints about helmet quality. The Quality Connect campaign, led by ‘Manak Mitra’ volunteers, is spreading awareness about certified products directly among consumers.

Mission: Prevent fatalities and promote safety gear

The Department emphasized its commitment to consumer protection and road safety. Removing substandard helmets from the market is a critical step in preventing avoidable deaths from road accidents and promoting the use of high-quality protective gear. “Certified helmets save lives. This campaign ensures that safety is never compromised,” said a senior BIS official.