Starting September 1, 2025, Uttar Pradesh will enforce a new safety rule under the “No Helmet, No Fuel” campaign. Launched by the Yogi Adityanath government, the initiative aims to curb road accident deaths by making it mandatory for all two-wheeler riders to wear helmets before purchasing fuel. Petrol pumps across the state have been instructed not to provide petrol or diesel to motorcyclists and scooter riders without helmets.
Uttar Pradesh Launches “No Helmet, No Fuel” Campaign
India records thousands of fatalities every year due to riders not wearing helmets. To address this issue, the Uttar Pradesh government has introduced a strict enforcement measure linking road safety to fuel access. Authorities believe this rule will not only reduce violations but also increase helmet usage among riders.
Concerns Over Fake Helmets
While the campaign has been welcomed by the Two-Wheeler Helmet Manufacturers Association, the industry has expressed serious concerns about the widespread sale of substandard helmets in the market.
Association president Rajeev Kapoor revealed that nearly 95% of helmets available at prices as low as ₹110 are fake and fail to provide real protection. Instead of saving lives, these counterfeit products are putting riders at even greater risk.
Kapoor urged the government to take strong action against fake helmet manufacturers and suggested that every two-wheeler should be sold with two ISI-certified helmets included in the price of the vehicle.
Fake Helmet Industry Thriving in NCR
Reports indicate that several unorganized manufacturers in Delhi-NCR are producing poor-quality helmets. Areas such as Ghaziabad, Loni in Uttar Pradesh, and Karawal Nagar in Delhi have become hotspots for cheap, uncertified helmets.
According to Kapoor, around 95% of small manufacturers claim to have BIS licenses, yet continue to sell substandard products. The sale of such helmets, priced at ₹110, is rampant and directly endangers lives.
Safety Data and Market Insights
A recent Navbharat Times report highlighted that nearly 70% of helmets sold in Delhi are fake and fail basic safety tests. Industry experts argue that without strict regulation of the market, road safety campaigns like “No Helmet, No Fuel” cannot succeed.
The Helmet Manufacturers Association has recommended that the cost of certified helmets should be bundled into the price of motorcycles and scooters. This would ensure that genuine ISI-marked helmets reach buyers directly, discouraging the purchase of unsafe alternatives.
Key Recommendations to Strengthen the Campaign
- Mandatory supply of two ISI-certified helmets with every two-wheeler sold
- Strong crackdown on fake helmet manufacturers in Delhi-NCR and surrounding regions
- Regular safety awareness campaigns to educate riders
- Price bundling to make original helmets more accessible to consumers
Industry leaders believe that only with an increase in the availability of authentic helmets can the “No Helmet, No Fuel” rule truly save lives.