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Centre to enforce stricter safety norms for two-wheelers, requiring overspeed warnings and hands-off handlebar detection to reduce reckless riding and improve road safety.
Nearly 44% of road fatalities in India involve two-wheeler riders. (Representative Image)
Despite the severe risks involved, some individuals continue to engage in reckless driving, overspeeding, and hands-off riding to create social media reels. This behaviour not only endangers their own lives but also the lives of other road users. In a significant step toward enhancing road safety, the Centre is preparing to tighten safety norms for two-wheelers.
After mandating anti-lock braking systems (ABS) and certified helmets, the government is now considering a new set of regulations aimed directly at reckless behaviour such as overspeeding and hands-off riding.
According to a LiveMint report, the government plans to make overspeed warning systems and hands-off handlebar detection features mandatory in all new motorcycles. These safety systems will monitor rider behaviour and issue visual and audible alerts when speed limits are exceeded or when the rider removes their hands from the handlebars.
The proposed changes are currently under consultation but reflect a strong intent to tackle the staggering number of road accidents involving two-wheelers. Data shows that nearly 44 per cent of all road fatalities in India involve two-wheeler riders, with overspeeding and loss of control among the leading causes.
These features are not just about compliance but about changing the riding culture, as riders not only endanger their lives but also put others at risk through reckless riding.
The system, inspired by car safety mechanisms like seatbelt reminders, will use electronic sensors to detect unsafe riding behaviour. Once operational, it will help enforce safer practices without relying solely on manual policing.
More Advancements in Two-Wheeler Safety
This initiative is part of a broader two-wheeler safety effort, set to take effect from January 2026. All new two-wheelers will be required to come equipped with ABS, a braking technology already mandated for motorcycles above 125cc. The rule will now apply across the board to ensure better stability and reduced stopping distance during sudden braking.
Additionally, the government has already mandated the inclusion of two BIS-certified helmets with every new two-wheeler sale to tackle the high incidence of head injuries. For electric two-wheelers, which are virtually silent, new regulations will require built-in sound-generating systems to alert pedestrians and nearby vehicles, enhancing safety for both riders and others on the road.
These upcoming safety norms highlight the government’s commitment to reducing road fatalities and ensuring a safer riding experience in a country where two-wheelers dominate daily commuting.
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- Location :
Delhi, India, India
- First Published:
