Lucknow, September 29 (TNA) Wearing a helmet will now be mandatory for people riding pillion on two-wheelers in Uttar Pradesh. If the person sitting behind the rider is found without a helmet, an online e-challan will be issued against the vehicle.
The Uttar Pradesh Traffic Department is updating its challan system to add a separate option for violations involving pillion riders. Once the system is updated, traffic authorities will be able to issue challans even when the rider is wearing a helmet, but the passenger is not.
Challans Through Multiple Channels
The revised system will allow enforcement through:
• The traffic challan application.
• ITMS cameras installed at various locations.
• Photographs showing the violation.
The vehicle owner will be responsible for paying the prescribed challan amount, regardless of whether the violation was committed by the rider or the pillion passenger.
System Upgrade Underway
Officials are currently working on upgrading the e-challan system and transferring data to a new server. E-challan services were reportedly suspended from September 21 to facilitate the system upgrade, and enforcement is expected to resume once the process is completed.
The move is aimed at improving compliance with helmet rules and strengthening road-safety enforcement across the state. Although helmets for pillion riders have been mandatory in Uttar Pradesh for several years, violations have continued, prompting authorities to introduce a stricter digital enforcement mechanism.
Vehicle Owners to Face LiabilityUnder the new arrangement, the challan will be linked to the vehicle’s registration number. This means the vehicle owner will receive the online notice and will be required to pay the prescribed penalty if the pillion rider is found violating the helmet rule.
The department is expected to rely on camera footage and photographic evidence to identify violations, reducing the need for traffic personnel to stop every vehicle manually. The updated system will also enable authorities to track such violations more efficiently.
Authorities have urged two-wheeler users to ensure that both the rider and the pillion passenger wear helmets before starting their journey. A helmet is required to be worn properly and fastened, as merely carrying one on the vehicle may not be sufficient for compliance.