Bengaluru: Summer has begun in right earnest in many parts of the state. The summer heat is already unbearable in many North Karnataka districts.

The mercury levels notch up to 46 degree Celsius in some parts of North Karnataka.

Therefore the state government has relaxed the rule on wearing helmets in these districts. It is not compulsory to wear helmets in 9 districts of the North Karnataka. These districts are Bellari, Rayachur, Bidar, Kalaburgi, Koppala, Vijayapura, Bagalakote, Yadagiri and Belagavi districts.

The two-wheeler riders who were finding it difficult to ride in the hot summer with helmets are breathing more than a sigh of relief after the order from the government.