Only ISI-certified to be allowed; phased rollout after notification; no enforcement in current fiscal
PANAJI
Not only riders but pillion passengers too will soon be mandated to wear ISI-marked helmets, a long-pending road safety measure that authorities say will be phased in gradually to minimise public inconvenience while tightening compliance.
The proposal to enforce Section 129 of the Motor Vehicles Act – which mandates ISI-certified, properly fastened headgear for both riders and pillion riders – was discussed at a recent meeting of the State Road Safety Council chaired by Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho.
Official sources said the rule will not be enforced in the current financial year, but will be implemented in phases once notified by the Transport Department. The deliberations come as Goa begins observing National Road Safety Month in January, starting today, January 1.
“Adequate time will be given to the public to ensure pillion riders also wear helmets... This will not be implemented in the current financial year... It will be done in a phased manner, with a focus on awareness and gradual enforcement, while ensuring safety,” the source told The Goan.
The move revives an effort that has been under discussion for more than two years. In 2023, the Goa police had indicated that fines for pillion riders without helmets would be introduced after an awareness drive. Then Superintendent of Police (Traffic) Bossuet Silva had cited accident data showing that while riders survived crashes due to wearing helmets, pillion riders suffered fatal head injuries after riding without protective gear.
Officials reiterated that enforcement will begin only after a notification, following government approval of the council’s recommendation.
The Road Safety Council also reviewed progress on technology-driven enforcement. It decided to fast-track the activation of over 90 camera-based challaning locations, to be operated by Beltech in coordination with the Directorate of Transport.
Sources further revealed that by mid-February, at least 10 locations, mainly in South Goa, will go live as part of the phased rollout. More cameras will be installed based on identified accident black spots.
The push is aligned with the Goa Road Safety Policy 2025, which prioritises technology-led interventions. “This is a top priority for the department,” the source explained.
Other measures discussed included directing the Public Works Department (National Highways) to act on safety audit recommendations and inspecting subways at Bambolim, Verna, Nuvem and Navelim to identify improvements aimed at increasing public use.
