New Two-Wheeler Safety Rules in India That You Must Know
From January 2026, India will have stricter two-wheeler safety rules, including compulsory ABS, BIS-certified helmets, and heavy fines for helmet violations.
In India, one person dies every four minutes in a two-wheeler accident, and most of these deaths happen due to negligence. To save lives and reduce accidents, the Government of India is bringing stricter safety rules for all two-wheeler users from 1 January 2026.
Every year, around 1.5 lakh people lose their lives in road accidents, and more than 60,000 of them are bike or scooter riders. Common reasons include not wearing helmets, poor braking systems, overspeeding, and sudden turns. To address this, the government plans to make ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System) compulsory for all two-wheelers, even small scooters like Honda Activa or TVS Scooty. ABS helps prevent skidding and keeps the bike stable during sudden braking, especially on wet or uneven roads.
The government also wants only BIS-certified helmets to be sold and used. These helmets are tested for safety, made of strong materials, and have proper chin straps. From 2026, every bike or scooter dealer must provide two BIS-certified helmets with each new vehicle – one for the rider and one for the pillion. Wearing cheap roadside helmets will no longer be allowed as they break easily and offer no real protection.
Additionally, riding without a helmet – for both rider and pillion – will lead to a ?2,000 fine or a three-month license suspension. The aim is not just to punish riders but to ensure both driver and passenger are safe. With these rules, the government is making it clear – safety comes first, no helmet means no mercy.
