Bengaluru: While the Transport Department has announced that helmets must be worn compulsorily by pillion riders from Tuesday, January 12, the City Traffic Police still insists that violators will be penalised only after January 20.

According to Media reports, Additional Commissioner of Police (Traffic) M.A. Saleem has made a statement that the department wants every motorist to be aware of the rule.

“Now, it is time for education. After January 20, we will start implementing the rule and penalise violators,” he explained. All pillion riders will be expected to wear ISI certified helmets, failing which, they will be fined Rs. 100 the first time”, he informed.

Sources in the government admitted to a delay in implementing the rule, but officials expect the police to go easy for the first few days. “The directions from the Supreme Court came in March. We got six reminders after that. Non-implementation will be treated as contempt of court. But the police are the implementing authorities,” a source said.