Karnataka Govt. to ban pillions on 100cc and below bikes

Karnataka Govt. to ban pillions on 100cc and below bikes

Mangalore Today News Network

Bengaluru, Oct 22, 2017 (PTI): The government of Karnataka is likely to amend the Motor Vehicles Rules which prohibits pillion riding on two-wheelers with an engine capacity of less than 100cc. With nearly 25% of two-wheelers, particularly scooters used by women riders falling in this category, the state government is likely to reduce it to 50cc. Section 143 (3) of the Karnataka Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989 states: ’No pillion seat shall be attached to a motorcycle with less than 100cc engine’.

Sources in the transport department said they had proposed to amend the rule from 100cc to 50cc in 1996 but it has been delayed because of various reasons.

Transport commissioner B Dayananda told media, "We have to follow the recent high court order based on Karnataka Motor Vehicles Rules which does not allow pillion riding on two-wheelers less than 100cc. The ban will be applicable for new vehicles and will not have any impact on existing two-wheelers".

He said they will soon send a proposal to the state government to re-examine the earlier move to reduce it from 100cc to 50cc.

"Many agencies have certified that the new bikes which are less than 100cc engine capacity are designed to carry pillion riders. We’ll amend the Karnataka Motor Vehicles Rules after consulting experts and also the rules followed by other states," he said.

According to a traffic expert, pillion riders are often vulnerable. “While a majority of two-wheeler riders get away with minor fractures or injuries during an accident, pillion riders are often gravely injured. The government’s decision would make a difference on this account.”