Tinsukia issues ‘No Helmet, No Fuel’ policy to curb accidents

Dibrugarh: In a move to enhance public safety, the Tinsukia district administration on Tuesday issued a prohibitory order, mandating a ‘No Helmet, No Fuel’ policy across the district. The order, issued by district magistrate Sumit Sattawan comes amidst rising concerns over road traffic accidents involving two-wheelers.Exercising powers under Section 163 of the BNSS, 2023, the district magistrate has prohibited all fuel dispensing stations — both public and private — from supplying petrol to riders if they or the pillion are not wearing helmets.The directive said compliance with helmet-wearing norms is already a requirement under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. “It has been observed that a large number of two-wheeler riders are plying on public roads without wearing protective helmets, thereby endangering their own lives, as well as public safety,” the order read.Under the new mandate, the owners, managers, and staff of all fuel outlets are tasked with ensuring strict compliance and will be held personally responsible for any violations that occur on their premises. The order further specifies that any person or authority found in violation will be liable for legal action, under relevant provisions of the law, including Section 223 of the BNSS, 2023.