Visakhapatnam police bar fuel for helmetless riders to curb two-wheeler deaths

Keeping in view the alarming number of fatal road accidents, particularly those involving two-wheelers, the city police have begun implementing the ‘No Helmet – No Petrol’ rule across the city. The initiative, launched on a pilot basis a week ago, came into force on January 1.

Under the programme, all petrol bunks have put up boards reading ‘No Helmet – No Petrol’ and are refusing to supply fuel to helmetless riders.

The city recorded 1,086 road accidents in 2025, including 333 fatal and 753 non-fatal ones. These incidents claimed 349 lives and left 1,038 people injured. National Highway-16 alone accounted for 149 deaths and 388 injuries, underscoring the high risk on major thoroughfares.

Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police K. Praveen Kumar said two-wheelers account for the highest number of accidents in the city. The absence of helmets, he said, remains a major cause of fatalities. In many instances, riders wearing helmets have survived with fractures or other non-fatal injuries.

Despite regular enforcement measures such as checks, fines and licence suspensions, violations continued to be reported, the official said. Explaining the penalty system, he said first-time offenders are fined, repeat offenders face impoundment of their driving licences for suspension, and on the third violation, the two-wheeler is seized.

During 2025, traffic police conducted several special drives to book violators under the Motor Vehicles Act. A total of 1,84,945 driving licences were seized and forwarded to the Transport Department, of which around 80,000 were suspended for specific periods.

Ahead of full implementation of the ‘No Helmet – No Petrol’ rule, the police conducted week-long awareness campaigns and held meetings with petrol bunk owners to ensure their cooperation. Police teams have also been instructed to conduct surprise checks at fuel stations.

Traffic police personnel said petrol bunk managements and the general public have largely supported the move. Several fuel stations have installed additional signboards highlighting the importance of wearing helmets for road safety. Meanwhile, police continue to appeal to pillion riders to wear helmets for their own safety.