In a bid to strengthen road safety, the Yogi Government has announced that its statewide ‘No Helmet, No Fuel’ campaign will be enforced across Uttar Pradesh from September 1 to 30.
The drive, in line with the government’s August 25 directive, will be implemented under the leadership of district magistrates, with active participation from police, transport, revenue, and district administration officials.
As part of the campaign, petrol pumps will refuse fuel to two-wheeler riders without helmets. Officials clarified that the step is not intended as punishment but as a measure to encourage safe driving practices.
Section 129 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, makes helmets mandatory for both riders and pillion passengers, while Section 194D prescribes penalties for violations. The Supreme Court’s road safety committee has also directed states to prioritize helmet compliance.
Transport Commissioner Brajesh Narayan Singh stressed that the campaign aims at changing habits rather than penalizing citizens. “No Helmet, No Fuel is not a punishment but a pledge for safety. This campaign will run from September 1 to 30 as a well-coordinated effort involving multiple government departments under the leadership of DMs. All citizens, petrol pump operators, and oil companies are appealed to extend their full cooperation. Make ‘Helmet first, fuel later’ a rule, because wearing a helmet is the simplest insurance to save lives,” he said.
Officials also highlighted that past experiences indicate two-wheeler owners quickly adapt to wearing helmets once such rules are enforced. Fuel sales are not affected either. Oil marketing companies including IOCL, BPCL, and HPCL, along with all petrol pump operators, have been asked to cooperate fully.
The Food and Civil Supplies Department has been tasked with coordinating and monitoring at petrol pumps, while the Information and Public Relations Department will spearhead awareness campaigns.
The state government has appealed to citizens to actively support the initiative, describing it as a collective step towards reducing road accident fatalities and serious injuries.