Bengaluru has witnessed a significant reduction in helmet violations over the past five years, with the number of challans issued dropping by more than 70%, according to Bengaluru Traffic Police (BTP) data. Stricter monitoring, technology-driven enforcement, and increased awareness have been key to this improvement.
In the first half of 2025, 9.43 lakh cases were booked against two-wheeler riders without helmets, a sharp fall from 19.33 lakh recorded during the same period in 2024. The contrast is even more striking when compared with 2020, when 38.72 lakh challans were issued between January and June for similar offences.
Also read: Bengaluru imposes hefty fines for traffic violations from March 2025
Officials note that while overall compliance has improved, violations continue to occur frequently on the city’s outskirts, where riders often dismiss helmet use for short-distance travel. To address this, BTP has combined public awareness campaigns with advanced monitoring systems that leave little room for violations to go unnoticed.
Technology behind helmet compliance
The city’s enforcement strategy now relies heavily on Artificial Intelligence and Big Data. Key measures include the Intelligent Traffic Enforcement Management System (ITEMS), Field Traffic Violation Reports (FTVR), and crowd-sourced reporting via the ASTraM mobile app. These tools ensure contactless monitoring and real-time detection of traffic offences.
Apart from penalising riders without helmets, BTP is also targeting the use of substandard gear, stressing that only ISI-marked helmets can ensure effective protection under the Motor Vehicles Act. Authorities believe continued awareness and smart enforcement will further strengthen road safety in Bengaluru.