- 95% of ₹110 Helmets Are Counterfeit – A Silent Killer on Indian Roads
New Delhi, August 28, 2025 — In light of the Uttar Pradesh Government’s new “No Helmet, No Fuel” campaign, Mr. Rajeev Kapur, President of the Two-Wheeler Helmet Manufacturers Association of India (2WHMA), extends his strong support for this bold move while calling attention to a growing public safety crisis. The campaign, launching on September 1, will deny petrol to riders without helmets, aiming to improve road safety and compliance with the law
However, Mr. Kapur warns that without enforcement reforms, the initiative could have unintended consequences. “When organized market helmets remain unchanged in demand, the unorganized sector capitalizes. Fake manufacturers—even 95% holding BIS licences—operate non-stop, churning out substandard helmets priced at just ₹110 and widely circulating through UP, Ghaziabad, Loni, and Delhi-Karari. These fakes cost lives.” He underscores that this supply of counterfeit protective gear must be tackled alongside awareness campaigns.
Alarmingly, up to 95% of ₹110 helmets in the market are fake, according to “Mission Save Lives 2.0” awareness initiative led by Mr. Kapur. These helmets are structurally unsafe—even a minor blow can shatter them—posing serious risks akin to “fake medicine”.
Citing broader data, nearly 70% of helmets sold in Delhi were found to be counterfeit and failed basic impact tests—collapsing on the first test while genuine helmets retained their form—highlighting a widespread public safety failure.
Mr. Kapur emphasizes a pragmatic intervention: Motorcycle companies should include two genuine ISI-certified helmets in every vehicle sale, with the cost embedded in the bike price. He believes this will ensure authentic helmets reach consumers first, paving the way for successful enforcement under the “No Helmet, No Fuel” rule. “Manufacturers are ethical actors—they won’t supply fake helmets. When real helmets dominate the market, this safety law will truly save lives,” he asserts.
Key Calls to Action:
- Federal and state agencies must enforce Motor Vehicle Rule 138F to mandate helmet inclusion with each two-wheeler.
- FIRs and strict penalties must be enforced against those producing or selling counterfeit helmets.
- Public education and media outreach should continue to promote the use of BIS-certified helmets, which are the only legally permitted safety devices.
“The ‘No Helmet, No Fuel’ drive is a commendable and necessary measure for enhancing road safety,” said Mr. Kapur. “But to ensure it meets its intended impact, we must first eliminate fake helmets from circulation. Only then will the policy truly protect lives. Road safety is not just about laws—it’s about enforcing them with integrity and foresight.”
