Centre urges use of only BIS-certified helmets; calls for strict enforcement
On 5 July 2025, the Department of Consumer Affairs and BIS urged consumers to use only BIS-certified helmets conforming to IS 4151:2015 and called for strict action against sale of uncertified helmets.
Summary
The Department of Consumer Affairs and the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) on 5 July 2025 appealed to consumers to use only BIS-certified helmets and called for strict enforcement against the manufacture or sale of helmets without BIS certification. With over 21 crore two-wheelers on Indian roads, wearing a helmet is mandatory under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, and a Quality Control Order in force since 2021 mandates ISI-marked helmets certified under IS 4151:2015. As of June 2025, 176 manufacturers held valid BIS licences for protective helmets; in the last financial year, over 500 helmet samples were tested and more than 30 search-and-seizure operations carried out.
Key facts
- Standard
- IS 4151:2015 (ISI-marked helmets)
- QCO
- In force since 2021
- Law
- Helmet mandatory under Motor Vehicles Act, 1988
- Licensees
- 176 manufacturers (June 2025)
- Two-wheelers
- Over 21 crore
- Enforcement
- 500+ samples tested; 30+ search-and-seizure operations last FY
Practice MCQs 3 questions
Which Indian Standard must helmets for two-wheeler riders conform to under the Quality Control Order cited on 5 July 2025?
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Correct answer: C — IS 4151:2015
Department of Consumer Affairs: a Quality Control Order in force since 2021 mandates ISI-marked helmets certified under BIS standards (IS 4151:2015).
How many manufacturers held valid BIS licences for protective helmets as of June 2025?
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Correct answer: D — 176
Department of Consumer Affairs: as of June 2025, there are 176 manufacturers across India holding valid BIS licenses for protective helmets.
Wearing a helmet by two-wheeler riders is mandatory under which law, as cited by the Department of Consumer Affairs on 5 July 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Motor Vehicles Act, 1988
Department of Consumer Affairs: wearing a helmet is mandatory under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, but its effectiveness depends on quality.