RTO makes sale of helmet must with two-wheelers

RTO makes sale of helmet must with two-wheelers

Pune: The Regional Transport Office (RTO) has directed dealers not to sell the two-wheelers if the customer refuses to buy a helmet while taking delivery of the new vehicle unless the customer gives a written declaration that he or she already has a helmet.
 
This directive comes after RTO made it compulsory for dealers to sell a helmet with a new bike or scooter from January 1. However, officials found that many dealers, especially those on the city outskirts are flouting the rule blatantly. The new directive says if the customer refuses to buy the helmet he or she has to give a written declaration that he or she already has the protective headgear. 
“We have told the dealers since day one they can’t sell two-wheelers without helmets. Most of the time, the customer refuses to buy it and we issued a notice to the dealers. Now, we have decided that dealers have to ask the customer to give a written declaration why he/she is not buying a helmet. If he/ she again refuses to give the written declaration the dealers have been instructed not to sell the two-wheeler,” said Vinod Sagre, Deputy RTO, Pune. 

Recently, the RTO found that a few dealers in the city are selling two-wheeler without a helmet. The department has received complaints regarding this. The officials sent notices to them and asked for clarification on why the dealers shouldn’t be questioned.
 
“Before initiating action, we have written to all the two-wheeler dealers in our jurisdiction, asking them to strictly follow the two-wheeler helmet directive,” said Sagre. 

Recently, the transport commissioner issued a directive to all RTOs across the State and asked them to take action. As per the directive, the action is necessary as several dealers are not following the helmet rule. 

“If any two-wheeler dealer is found violating the directive about helmet rules, take action prescribed as per sub-rule F(4) of rule 138 of Central Motor Vehicle Rules 1989 and maintain the necessary documents about the action taken,” reads the directive. 

The helmet cost is over and above the vehicle price. Two-wheeler dealers said consumers are reluctant to pay extra for costly branded helmets.
 
“Neither the customers are willing to pay for two helmets, nor the vehicle manufacturers are including their cost in vehicle price,” said a dealer on condition of anonymity.

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